Theresa May ‘must walk away’ if no trade deal by Christmas

‘Hardline’ Brexiteers in the Conservative Party have used a letter to No 10 to demand Theresa May walk away from negotiations if the EU still refuses to agree a trade deal by Christmas.​



Members of the Leave Means Leave group, including former Brexit minister David Jones, say that there is no incentive for the EU to accelerate a free trade deal unless it is convinced the UK is prepared to move to WTO rules.

The letter says: “If the EU is not seriously negotiating a free trade deal by Christmas 2017, the Government should give formal notice that we will move to WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules in March 2019.”

Earlier this week Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said “miracles” would be needed for talks on a trade deal to begin by the end of October.

The letter also demands that during any transition phase the UK must be able to “negotiate, sign and – crucially – implement global trade deals”.

Former Cabinet Minister Owen Paterson, ex-British Chambers of Commerce director-general John Longworth and Sir Gerald Howarth are among the signatories.

Downing Street said the Government is preparing for all possible outcomes, adding: “We are working hard to achieve a future partnership that benefits the EU and the UK.”