Britain will thrive even if there is no deal, says an optimistic Raab
BRITAIN will thrive even if there is no Brexit deal, Dominic Raab has said, as his predecessor David Davis called on the Prime Minister to “reset” her Brexit plan or prepare a “reserve parachute” in case no agreement is reached.
Mr Raab said there was “tremendous pressure” on the EU to secure a deal while also branding it “irresponsible” for failing to reassure British expats in Europe about their rights after Brexit.
His remarks came amid growing concern that the UK could be heading for no deal, prompting politicians including Dominic Grieve and Sir John Major to call for a second referendum to settle the issue, adding their voices to that of Justine Greening, the former Cabinet minister, last week.
Meanwhile polling showed only one voter in 10 would back Theresa May’s Brexit plan in a referendum, according to The Sunday Times.
Speaking to the BBC’S The Andrew Marr Show, the Brexit Secretary said: “All of that planning [for no deal] is under way, from every aspect of the infrastructure to the legal position to make sure we’re ready for no deal and Britain thrives whatever the outcome of these negotiations.”
He refused to be drawn on claims that the Government was making plans to stockpile food in the event of a “worst outcome”. And a report published today claimed the Government was planning to suspend food safety rules to stop perishable foods being delayed at borders if there was no deal.
Mr Davis said Mrs May should tear up her Brexit White Paper and start again. As Mr Raab admitted he was still trying to convince a number of Cabinet ministers to back her option, Mr Davis said the Government should plan to ensure the UK was not left with nothing.
He said: “We’re going to have to do a reset.” He added that Mrs May should start gathering the best bits from every EU trade deal with another country as a “reserve parachute”. It would be known as Canada plus plus plus, he said.
Mr Davis also criticised the Chancellor and the Treasury for pro-remain views, adding: “Project Fear Mark III, I think it is now.” His remarks came as Dominic Grieve and Sir John Major said a second referendum could now be the only way to solve the deadlock.