Frank Field backs Norway-style Brexit transition deal
2 min read
Frank Field, who resigned the Labour whip in August, has suggested that the UK should join the European Economic Area (EEA), while it negotiates a long-term free trade arrangement.
The MP for Birkenhead argued that the Government should use the proposal as "an insurance policy", because it would be "almost impossible" to negotiate a Canada-style free trade agreement in the time before the UK leaves the European Union.
"I am convinced, in time, that solutions can be found and a Canada-style deal can be made to work," he wrote in the Guardian. "But there's the rub. We haven't got time. We are fast running out of it. 'Canada now' just does not work."
Mr Field added: "'Norway for now, then Canada' offers the chance of delivering Brexit in the safest way possible, if the present negotiations fail to deliver a satisfactory outcome."
"An immediate aim is to unite MPs with a broad range of opinions as possible around this insurance policy. If we can succeed on this front, the Commons could help similarly to unite the country."
The proposal echoes that advocated by Conservative Nick Boles, who published his "Better Brexit" plan during Parliament's summer recess.
The former Minister for Skills and MP for Grantham put forward a four-step plan, which would see the UK become a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) state, and remain in the EEA.
He then suggests the Government negotiate a Canada-style trading arrangement "from a position of strength", with a three-year target deadline.
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