Cabinet ministers 'plan to support Norway-style plan B' as alternative to PM's Brexit deal
2 min read
Eight Cabinet ministers have discussed advocating a Norway-style Brexit deal if Theresa May's plan is voted down by MPs, it has been reported.
According to the Telegraph, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove and Matt Hancock are among those backing UK membership of the European Free Trade Association as an alternative to leaving the bloc without a deal.
The paper says the ministers have been discussing the plan - which would see the UK remain in the customs union and single market while a free trade deal is negotiated - for the past month.
One minister said the plan, is being pushed by former minister Nick Boles, is "the only realistic alternative" to Mrs May's proposals, which are almost certain to be rejected by MPs on 11 December.
Theresa May has repeatedly dismissed the idea, pointing out that it would involve the UK having to continue accepting the free movement of EU citizens into the country.
Speaking to reporters at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, the Prime Minisger said: “At the beginning of the negotiations with the EU, there were two options on the table, one was Norway and one was a Canada-style free trade agreement.
“The EU said there was nothing else available, but what you see in the [Brexit deal] is…a more ambitious free trade agreement than Canada, that ends free movement which Norway doesn’t do. So this is the deal that is right for the UK.”
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