May getting set for ‘no deal’ Brexit
PLANS for exiting the EU without a trade deal were detailed as part of a Government blueprint last night.
THERESA May has laid the groundwork for quitting the EU without a Brexit deal – raising the stakes as the fifth round of divorce talks began in Brussels.
The Prime Minister told MPs she wants “a unique and ambitious economic partnership” with the bloc after the UK leaves in March 2019.
But as she spoke, plans for exiting without new trading arrangements in place were published last night as part of the Government’s blueprint on trade and customs post-Brexit.
Mrs May told the Commons: “It is our responsibility as a Government to prepare for every eventuality.”
If no deal is reached, the UK would slap quotas and tariffs on EU nations and their exports, raising prices on imported goods and lifting costs for UK firms exporting to Europe.
If she does strike a deal, the PM wants an implementation period of “around two years” so businesses do not face a cliff edge. During this time the European Court of Justice will continue to rule over trade disputes. Chancellor Philip Hammond signalled the transition could be open-ended.
Labour MP Wes Streeting of the Open Britain campaign urged minis- ters to “drop their dangerous threat to leave without a deal”.
EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas slammed Mrs May’s claim the ball was in Brussels’ court. He said: “There’s been no solution on step one. The ball is in the UK’s court.”