Liam Fox tells Tory rebels to ‘wait and see’ over PM’s Brexit plans
The Trade Secretary reached out to Europhile Tories as it was revealed some were preparing to vote with Labour as part of an attempt to hand the Government a crushing defeat
TRADE Secretary Liam Fox urged Tory rebels to keep an “open mind” on the Government’s Brexit plans – amid growing fears of a Commons rebellion.
He told Europhile Tories threatening to vote with Labour to force the PM to accept a customs union to wait for her speech on Friday.
It follows the Sun’s revelations on Saturday that No.10 insiders believe a rebellion will fall away once Theresa May details her desire for a customs “partnership” after Brexit.
Between ten to 15 Tories including Anna Soubry, Nicky Morgan and Dominic Grieve are said to be preparing to side with Labour in a Commons coup that could hand the Government a crushing defeat.
Mr Fox said: “I hope that they will have an open mind and listen to what the Prime Minister says because I think what the Prime Minister will set out will deal with a lot of the reservations they have.”
Separately Mr Fox admitted new trade deals with nations such as the US may not be ready in time for the end of a post-Brexit transition period.
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He said: “We want to take those talks as far as we can.”
Cabinet Office secretary David Lidington will warn the SNP could scupper trade deals by demanding the Scots seize control of key powers when they come back from Brussels.
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