A pro-EU Tory has vowed to challenge Theresa May’s Brexit policy by giving MPs the chance to vote for the “Norway option”, to keep the UK inside the single market.
Stephen Hammond – who has been branded a “mutineer’ by pro-Brexit newspapers – announced he would table amendments to the Trade Bill.
“It will give the whole House the opportunity to discuss EFTA [staying in the European Free Trade Association]”, Mr Hammond said.
The Government has repeatedly ruled out a Norway-style arrangement, under which Britain would join EFTA at least in the short term, because it would require retaining free movement of EU citizens.
But a growing number of Conservative backbenchers have suggested it as an option, to avoid a damaging “cliff edge” for businesses if the talks to agree a transition period falter.
Mr Hammond revealed his move at the end of a debate on EFTA in Westminster Hall, the second Commons chamber, during which he described the Government’s stance as “disappointing”.
“The feeling I detect from the chamber is that the whole House would like to have the chance to reflect upon this,” he said – stating his amendment would be tabled later on Wednesday.
During the debate, a further nine Tory MPs expressed some support for the EFTA option – potentially enough to defeat the Government, if Labour also voted for it.
The amendment will be the second Conservative challenge to the Prime Minister’s strategy, using the Trade Bill – needed to set in place post-Brexit trading rules – as the vehicle.
Two rebel Tories, Ken Clarke and Anna Soubry, will support a cross-party amendment to keep the UK inside the customs union.
Responding in the EFTA debate, Brexit Minister Robin Walker said the Government also opposed the idea because the UK would have to accept new EU rules with no say over them.
But he added that ministers “do not currently plan to seek membership” of EFTA – the word “currently” immediately raising eyebrows.
