Hammond, Fox Say Transition Won't Be Back Door to Staying in EU
- Interim period is backed to avoid falling over ‘cliff edge’
- May’s cabinet reportedly split three ways on Brexit navigation
Brexit Dominates All for Government, Says U.K.'s Lamont
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U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and Trade Secretary Liam Fox made a joint declaration that calling for a transition period after Brexit isn’t a way for Britain to stay in the European Union “through the back door,” as they confirmed the U.K. will leave the customs union and the single market.
The statement, by the ministers seen as representing the opposing visions of Brexit in Prime Minister Theresa May’s cabinet, confirmed the government will be pushing for a period of transition so businesses can avoid a “cliff edge.” But they sought to quash criticism by some Brexit supporters that this amounted to trying to prevent Britain from departing the bloc.