Daily Mail

Maximise the benefits of taking back control

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IS Brexit safe in the hands of Rishi Sunak and his Chancellor Jeremy Hunt?

Following briefings, allegedly from within government, about Britain possibly restoring economic ties with the EU, Tory Brexiteers are far from convinced.

No10 ‘categorica­lly’ denies reports that we may soon be on the path to a Swiss-style relationsh­ip with Brussels, possibly involving payments for access to the single market, regulatory concession­s and even a return to the ambit of European laws.

We can only hope the denial is genuine. Two Conservati­ve prime ministers have been brought down by Europe. Mr Sunak must be careful not to become the third.

The massed ranks of embittered Remainers are trying desperatel­y to resurrect the case for membership. They love to peddle the lie that all our current economic woes stem from leaving the EU.

But almost all Europe is on the brink of or in recession. Average inflation across the bloc is slightly higher (much higher in some cases) and growth forecasts just as grim.

Instead of harking back to redundant arguments, we should be doubling down on Brexit and maximising its benefits.

If evidence were needed of how much better we can do without the albatross of Brussels bureaucrac­y around our necks, just look at the vaccine miracle. While Europe was paralysed by bickering and indecision, Britain forged ahead with the job of saving lives. This should be our template.

Of course we must strive for frictionle­ss trade with Europe. It’s what we’ve always wanted, but on our own terms as an independen­t sovereign nation.

We have taken back control but not yet exercised it to the full. That is the mission Mr Sunak and Mr Hunt must focus on.

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