Liam Fox risks Theresa May’s wrath over demand Britain must have EU trade deal before Brexit
International Trade Secretary's demands came despite No10's insistence there would be 'no running commentary' about the government's Brexit plans
LIAM FOX risked Theresa May’s fury yet again after demanding Britain must have a new EU trade deal in place within the two year exit process.
His warning came despite the PM demanding there would be “no running commentary” about Brexit.
The Trade Secretary told MPs that the disastrous Canadian/EU trade deal proves Britain must reach agreement on a new deal before we leave - “in the best interests of everyone”.
Last night No10 distanced themselves from the comments, saying: “There is a discussion around the Canada deal and how that is perceived, and there is a range of perceptions about that.”
Despite Downing Street refusing to rule out a transitional deal with the EU ahead of Britain’s departure from the bloc, Dr Fox said Britain must “legislate prior to leaving the EU in order to provide ourselves with trade defence from day one.”
He added: “it’s in the interests, quite clearly, for all concerned to minimise any sort of economic, trade and political disruption, to ensure that’s done with the minimum of fuss.”
And he warned: “Those in EU who put politics ahead of prosperity might want to think twice.”
Giving evidence to the Commons European Scrutiny Committee, the Brexit backer said that the seven years process of the Canada/EU CETA deal showed the difficulties of such a deal.
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But if Britain was to attempt to negotiate a similar deal during the official two year Article 50 exit process, it would not be subject to the same level of nationwide vetoes.
Last night the PM’s spokeswoman said: “The PM and Trade Secretary are very focussed on getting the best deal possible for Britain” but would not echo Mr Fox’s call.
It came as the boss of the World Trade Organisation vowed make sure Brexit is “fast and is smooth.”
Roberto Azevedo said that the UK should not face a vacuum or a disruption after the historic departure.
He added: “The less turbulence the better. The global economy today is not in the best shape for us to be introducing turbulence.”
“The UK is a member of the WTO today, it will continue to be a member tomorrow. There will be no discontinuity in membership.”