David Davis says he could be ‘kind’ to the EU if they wanted a transitional arrangement as Britain negotiates exit
The Brexit Secretary reportedly said that the "inflexible approach" to the EU meant it was unlikely the UK would get access to the Single Market
DAVID DAVIS has landed himself in hot water after another leaked Brexit memo shows he said he would be KIND to the EU if it wanted a transitional deal in place while we Leave the area.
The Brexit Secretary's comments were revealed in an internal memo after he had meetings with bosses from the City of London Corporation last month.
Mr Davis said that he was "not really interested" in such a deal, which could be necessary to cushion businesses from the turbulence of withdrawing from the EU.
He told a private meeting that he would be "kind" to the EU if it suggested such a deal. But that it could delay the Brexit process.
The Brexit Secretary also admitted that due to the Article 50 appeal in the Supreme Court, which is likely to force Theresa May to have another vote in Parliament - Brexit probably won't begin until very late March.
He added that it was unlikely that the UK would achieve access to the Single Market due to the "inflexible approach" of the EU, despite some calls for Britain to pay money into the bloc in order to get access to markets.
The documents also said that Mr Davis was sceptical that US banks would relocate within Europe, given the attractiveness of other cities in comparison to London.
He was keen to stress that Britain would "take back control of its borders"; and insisted that the UK would not benefit from a labour shortage, despite many industries speaking out about their fears.
Mr Davis added that new apprenticeships and training programmes would help plug any gaps to prevent a skills shortage.
The note is likely to heighten tensions between Britain and the EU, who have already been strict in their will not to enter into talks before Article 50 is triggered.
France and German ministers are said to be irritated with Mr Davis' comments where he said Britain could switch to a tougher strategy if it did not get the deal it wanted.