UK’s secret Brexit trade strategy... as spotted on the 7.22
THERESA MAY faced embarrassment last night after secret plans for Britain’s postBrexit trade policy were revealed – after being photographed on public transport.
The Mail on Sunday obtained pictures of private Government briefing documents for diplomats telling them to stop working on environmental issues to concentrate on striking new commercial deals.
The papers also reveal the Foreign Office’s fears about the ‘economic and political’ risks of Brexit – and its determination to keep a tight rein on Liam Fox’s International Trade department. The documents were photographed as one of Dr Fox’s officials prepared to give a private briefing session to UK diplomats last month.
They show our envoys were told that ‘trade and growth are now priorities for all [diplomatic] posts’. As part of this, ‘economic security-related work like climate change and the illegal wildlife trade will be scaled down’.
The diplomats were also told the Government was ‘developing detailed plans to mitigate the potential risks to economic and political interests that may arise. This may mean retasking posts and securing more resources, particularly in the EU, where we are already deploying additional officers.’
Last night, anti-Brexit politicians and animal welfare campaigners reacted angrily.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: ‘The rhino and the rainforest will pay the price for Theresa May’s hard Brexit. This springs entirely from her free choice to leave the world’s most lucrative market, which independent experts predict over the next 15 years will cost Britain up to £200 billion.
‘Because she is desperate to fill this black hole of her own making, she is prepared to cut deals – and principles – with any far-flung leader around the world, however dodgy.’
Traffic, which campaigns against the illegal wildlife trade, said the UK’s leadership in addressing wildlife crime ‘should remain a priority’.
The leak is the latest to hit the Government during the Brexit process. Last year, an order from Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood to Ministers demanding leaks stop was leaked to this newspaper.
Dr Fox’s official was photographed on the 7.22am Putney to Waterloo train as he wrote up comments by senior Whitehall officials. A spokesman for Dr Fox said: ‘These are unclassified documents.’
The Foreign Office said its commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade and climate change was ‘as strong as ever’.