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Leaving EU behind

David Cameron calls for special Brexit unit to pull Britain out of European Union

Elite group of civil servants will devise options for next PM to take over

DAVID Cameron ordered the creation of a special government Brexit unit yesterday as calls grew for a plan to pull Britain of the EU as soon as possible.

The elite group of civil servants will devise options for the next PM when he takes power in September.

 House of fun ... Cameron laughs in the Commons
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House of fun ... Cameron laughs in the CommonsCredit: Universal News And Sport (Europe)

But Mr Cameron insisted no decisions can be taken until then on the UK’s negotiation position, or what breakaway arrangement the country will make with Europe.

Addressing the Commons yesterday for the first time since his crushing EU Referendum defeat, the PM warned the task of implementing the UK’s Brussels walkaway would be huge.

Mr Cameron dubbed it “the most complex and most important task the British civil service has undertaken in decades”.

 Standing room only ... David Cameron addresses the House of Commons
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Standing room only ... David Cameron addresses the House of Commons

He also told MPs a fresh general election may need to be called by his successor to get the country’s backing for the UK’s exit deal.

Clamour is growing for a new nationwide vote from MPs of all sides. Former Lib Dem Deputy PM Nick Clegg asked Mr Cameron yesterday: “Do you agree with me that there should be an early general election?”

Instead of knocking back the idea, the Prime Minister instead opened the door to it.

He said: “I think the right thing is for a new prime minister to take office and it will be for them to decide whether to fulfil the terms of this Parliament or something else.”

 Questions ... former Lib Dem Deputy PM Nick Clegg asked Mr Cameron if he agreed Britain should hold an early election
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Questions ... former Lib Dem Deputy PM Nick Clegg asked Mr Cameron if he agreed Britain should hold an early electionCredit: PA:Press Association

Labour believe a new election may come as soon as November to capitalise on their party’s civil war turmoil. MPs yelled at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to resign when he spoke in the Commons yesterday.

 Calls ... MPs yelled at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to resign when he spoke in the Commons
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Calls ... MPs yelled at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to resign when he spoke in the CommonsCredit: PA:Press Association

As the financial markets continued to tumble yesterday, business bosses urged the Government to spell out a clear Brexit timetable to end crippling uncertainty.

The British Chamber of Commerce has called on ministers not to “duck important choices”.

And former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling insisted “we simply can’t afford” to wait for a Brexit plan.

Lord Darling added: “If you leave a vacuum in politics, that’s when the trouble starts.”

 Warnings ... Alastair Darling said: “If you leave a vacuum in politics, that’s when the trouble starts.”
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Warnings ... Alastair Darling said: “If you leave a vacuum in politics, that’s when the trouble starts.”Credit: Rex Features

Yesterday morning Mr Cameron held a tense first meeting of his Cabinet since the landmark EU result — with his top team hoping to end a bitter four month-long internal battle over the Referendum.

During the lengthy 90-minute session in No10, loyal Cabinet ministers banged the table as tributes were heaped on Mr Cameron.

But Downing Street aides dubbed the general mood as “serious”.

The Brexit unit will be made up of senior officials from the Treasury, the Foreign Office and other key Whitehall departments, it emerged.

 Cam we fix it? ... The PM has appointed Oliver Letwin to carry out a “facilitative” role
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Cam we fix it? ... The PM has appointed Oliver Letwin to carry out a “facilitative” roleCredit: PA:Press Association

Mr Cameron appointed his chief fixer, Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin, to carry out a “facilitative” role.

Downing Street said he will take views from in and outside Government on what the next steps should be.

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