U.K. trade minister slams talk of Brexit punishment

LONDON — One of the British government’s biggest Brexit cheerleaders has taken aim at those in the European Union he accuses of looking to punish Britain for its decision to leave the bloc as exhibiting gang-like tendencies. As Brexit talks appear to have hit an impasse particularly over what happens to the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox told U.K. business leaders Thursday that Brexit can work for all concerned if discussions are focused on economic matters rather than politics.

“The idea of punishing Britain is not the language of a club, it’s the language of a gang,” he said at the annual conference of the British Chambers of Commerce.

“And I do believe that rationality, common sense will win the day if we conduct ourselves with decorum and patience and I think therefore it’s in all our interests to keep the temperature down.”

The EU has consistently said since the June 2016 referendum that it’s not looking to punish Britain for its vote and is working to get a deal on the future relationship that works for both sides but which is consistent with its rules.

Chuka Umunna, a prominent lawmaker in the opposition Labour Party who is advocating Britain remaining part of the tariff-free single market and customs union, said Fox’s remarks were nothing more than “playground speak.”

Though conceding that tariffs would hurt businesses and consumers, Fox dismissed warnings that Britain was facing an “economic black hole” after Brexit.