Keir Starmer, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary, responding to Michel Barnier’s comments that a Brexit transition is ‘not a given’, said:

“This should be a wakeup call for the Prime Minister.

“As Labour has said for months, it’s vital the Government secures sensible transitional arrangements to prevent a cliff-edge for our economy. Yet with just a few weeks until the March deadline, it’s clear the Government is no closer to reaching an agreement.

“Businesses and trade unions have been crystal clear that failure to secure strong transitional arrangements will mean companies pulling investment and staff out of the UK.

“Theresa May must end the infighting within her Cabinet, drop her reckless redlines and accept Labour’s proposals for a transitional deal. That means seeking to remain in a customs union with the EU and within the single market during that period. It means we would abide by the common rules of both.

“If the Prime Minister fails to meet Labour’s demands then she is putting British jobs and the economy at risk.”

Ends