Cabinet split over Brexit as key figures disagree over how long a transitional trade deal will be in place
David Davis says a one to two year arrangement is likely, but Philip Hammond said it could take up to four years
A CLEAR Cabinet split opened up over Brexit yesterday on how long any transitional trade deal would be in place.
Brexit Secretary David Davis said a one to two year arrangement would be most likely when Britain quits the EU.
But his comments put him at odds with Chancellor Philip Hammond who said earlier this month the process could take up to four years.
Confirming Britain would need temporary trade arrangements with the EU for a time after Brexit, he said: “We think that there will be a transitional period, not that long. I think one to two years is more likely. It will vary. This is something incredibly practical.”
Mr Davis also revealed he was not certain the UK would come to a deal with the EU.
Telling the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show he didn’t “make guesses”, he added: “I’m pretty sure, I am not 100% sure, you can never be, it’s a negotiation.
“I’m sure there will be a deal, whether it’s the deal I want, which is a free trade agreement, the customs agreement, and so on, I’m pretty sure, but I’m not certain.”
It came as the Archbishop of Canterbury called for Brexit talks to be led by a cross-party commission to “draw the poison out of the debate”.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
Justin Welby said fighting between the Tories and Labour would affect Britain’s ability to get a good deal with the EU.
He said: “For Brexit, we need the politicians to find a way of neutralising the temptation to take minor advantage domestically from these great events.
“We must develop a forum, or commission, or some political tool, which can hold the ring for the differences to be fought out, so that a commonly agreed negotiating aim is achieved.
“Obviously it would be under the authority of Parliament, especially the Commons. It would need to be cross-party and chaired by a senior politician, on Privy Council terms.
“It could not bind Parliament, but well-structured it could draw much of the poison from the debate.”