Cabinet agrees plan for ‘UK-EU free trade area’

Chequers talks see members sign up to new trade proposals

A new Uk-european Union free trade area for goods will be created under Brexit plans thrashed out by ministers at Chequers.

The proposals, agreed after Theresa May summoned senior ministers to decide on plans for the future relationship with Brussels, will see the UK agree to remain in line with the EU on rules for all goods.

But under the government’s plans the UK would be free to diverge from EU rules over services, a major part of the British economy, with ministers acknowledging this will reduce the levels of access available to European markets.

Brussels will be reluctant to consider any plan which would risk splitting the single market, and ministers appeared to acknowledge this by agreeing to step up preparations for a “no deal” Brexit.

But Mrs May said she hoped the proposals would enable talks with the EU to move forward.

Going into Chequers the Cabinet was split, with Brexit Secretary David Davis understood to have major reservations about the plan and whether Brussels would even consider it seriously.

But it is understood that all members of the Cabinet have signed up to the proposals and none decided to quit rather than back the plan.

The “common rule book” for goods could reduce the UK’S flexibility to strike trade deals with other countries, particularly the US which would want an agreement allowing its farm products, produced to different standards, into the British market.

It would also involve the UK paying “due regard” to European Court of Justice rulings relating to the rules Britain will share with Brussels, potentially softening the Prime Minister’s red line on the jurisdiction of judges in Luxembourg.

But the prime minister said the Cabinet had agreed a “collective position” on the future of the negotiations with the EU.

“Our proposal will create a UK-EU free trade area which establishes a common rule book for industrial goods and agricultural products,” she said.

“This maintains high standards in these areas, but we will also ensure that no new changes in the future take place without the approval of our Parliament.

“As a result, we avoid friction in terms of trade, which protects jobs and livelihoods, as well as meeting our commitments in Northern Ireland.

“We have also agreed a new businessfriendly customs model with freedom to strike new trade deals around the world.”

Mrs May added: “Next week we will be publishing a White Paper which will set out more details of how we will be taking back control of our money, laws and borders.

“Now we must all move at pace to negotiate our proposal with the EU to deliver the prosperous and secure future all our people deserve.”

proposal will create a UK-EU free trade area which establishes a common rule book for industrial goods and agricultural products. PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY

Theresa May and Cabinet members met at her country retreat Chequers yesterday, to thrash out plans for the future of negotiations with the European Union. Picture: Getty.