Theresa May is reportedly gearing up to remain in the customs union with the European Union (EU) after all. Several advisers told the Sunday Times that May can live with a defeat in the House of Commons on this issue. That reports Business Insider.
The prime minister and members of her cabinet have threatened several times to leave the customs union with the EU after Brexit. However, the British House of Lords drilled these plans earlier this week into the ground.
In addition, 10 Conservative MPs have a change of the Trade Act. Finally, May's government sees a humiliating defeat the parliamentary debate on this issue.
180 degree turn
The above is not without consequences. May's advisers recognize that a 180-degree turn is inevitable. One even said May and her team will not wallow in self-pity as they reconsider the decision to leave the customs union. With this 180-degree turn, May not only reassures British business, but also a hard border with Ireland appearance.
However, this U-turn of May is sensitive to a number of cabinet members. For example, Downing Street is taking into account that the Secretary of State for International Trade (Liam Fox) and the Secretary of State (Boris Johnson) may leave. Johnson previously said that staying in the customs union is "worse" than staying in the EU.
May's chief Brexit negotiator (Oliver Robbins) predicted that Michael Gove (the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister) and Brexit Secretary David Davis could live on a U-turn.
'Don't make too many concessions'
The hard core of the Brexiteers have informed the prime minister in personal conversations that she will jeopardize her position with further concessions. A conservative cut cannot be ruled out. "The only thing that can save her now is a clear statement that she will not back down," a member of the European Research Group (the anti-EU club) told Business Insider.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen told Business Insider last month that he would no longer support the Brexit deal if he made any more concessions. “If they want my support for the final Brexit deal, they have to be close to May's.” Mansion House Speech to stay."
Read more on BusinessInsider.nl:
- House of Lords makes mincemeat of May's wish to leave the European customs union.
- Brexit could spell the end of a quarter of English farmers.
- EU demands Northern Ireland to remain part of customs union after Brexit.
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