The Brexit Secretary said a bumper deal could be wrapped up in 12 weeks’ time but is also ready in case talks break down
BREXIT boss Dominic Raab vowed to put Britain in a position to “thrive whatever happens” as he stepped up No Deal plans.
He also threatened to withhold our £39billion divorce bill if a bumper trade deal is refused.
Mr Raab insisted a deal can be struck if Brussels shows the same “energy, ambition and pragmatism” as Theresa May’s Chequers deal.
He said one could even be wrapped up in 12 weeks’ time - at the October EU summit. The Brexit Secretary said it was a “good, positive sign” that EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier was “asking questions” of the PM’s blueprint for our future relations with Brussels.
He told the Andrew Marr Show it was proof the EU was finally “engaging” in negotiations. But Mr Raab said the Government was also stepping up preparations for talks to break down.
He confirmed The Sun’s revelations of processed food being stockpiled. He said planning will ensure “we are ready for no deal and Britain thrives whatever the outcome”.
But senior Tory Europhile Dominic Grieve said leaving with no deal would plunge the UK into a “state of emergency”.
He claimed flights abroad would be under threat and there would be “trouble getting food into the country”.
Meanwhile, Mr Raab told the Sunday Telegraph that two Cabinet ministers have yet to back the PM’s Brexit plans — sparking fears of more resignations.
