Tory battle over borders deal:
‘Free movement as it is now will not be accptable after we leave the EU… that’s not what people voted for’
THERESA MAY is facing a backlash from Eurosceptic MPS after her Cabinet agreed that freedom of movement could continue for up to two years after Brexit.
The Government is ready to keep Britain’s borders open during a postbrexit transition period, which will prevent the “cliff edge” exit in March 2019 that business leaders have warned against. Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, is understood to have won the argument within the Cabinet for a transition arrangement with the EU until a freetrade agreement is reached.
Cabinet Brexiteers including Liam Fox and Michael Gove have confirmed they are in agreement. However, hardline Eurosceptic MPS reacted furiously last night at reports that continued free movement could last between two and four years as part of a post-brexit deal.
Andrew Rosindell, the Tory MP for Romford, said: “The British people voted for Brexit and they expect Brexit to happen, in full, on time.” Peter Bone, the MP for Wellingbrough, added: “Free movement as it is now will not be acceptable after we leave the EU, that’s nonsense and it’s not what people voted for.”
Mr Gove, the Environment Secretary, said yesterday that decisions on an “implementation period” would be made “in the best interests of our economy”. Mr Fox also said he was prepared to wait “another couple of years”.
Their comments indicated a widening of Cabinet support for a transitional deal between the UK leaving the EU in March 2019 and a new trading arrangement. Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, said: “Whilst there may be a need for transitional or interim arrangements, these can never be settled until there is an agreement between the Commission and the United Kingdom.” Meanwhile it was reported that Mr Hammond told the board of the US investment bank Goldman Sachs that he is pushing for a lengthy transition period. The Chancellor reportedly made a presentation to the bank’s board on June 29. A spokesman for the Chancellor could not confirm he was at the meeting or what he said, adding: “He meets with key people in the financial world all the time.”
A Downing Street source said: “It has long been the Government’s position that there will be an implementation period. The length of the implementation period will be part of the negotiations.” The Prime Minister stressed her backing for an implementation period when talking with business leaders at a Downing Street forum on Brexit this week.
♦ Jean-claude Juncker’s chief of staff and a key player in the Brexit negotiations has been promoted by the European Commission. Martin Selmayr’s grade was increased from AD14 to AD15, the second highest, the Politico website reported. That means Mr Selmayr receives up to £192,000 a year before tax.