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In a video unearthed by The Independent, Mr Baker added the EU was an “obstacle” to peace and free trade across Europe’s nations. Filmed at an event by The Libertarian Alliance in 2010, he said: “I think Ukip and the Better Off Out campaign lack ambition. I think the European Union needs to be wholly torn down.” “It was meant to defeat economic nationalism, it is, therefore, a failure in its own terms.

Vimeo The video from 2010 reveals much about teh new Brexit minister's views on Brussels.

“If we wish to devolve power to the lowest possible level, make it accountable and move on into a free society, then it’s clearly incompatible. “What I want is free trade and peace among all the nations of Europe as well as the world and in my view the European Union is an obstacle to that.” Meanwhile, EU bosses are hurting British businesses by insisting discussions on the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the bloc are delayed while withdrawal negotiations take place, according to a leading UK business chief.

The director general of the British Chambers of Commerce railed against the European Commission’s actions, insisting it was preventing British firms from the necessary planning surrounding the UK’s divorce from the European Union. The organisation, which is headed up by president Jean-Claude Juncker, has said it will not discuss Britain’s future relationship with the bloc before they reach a settlement on withdrawal – including the so-called divorce settlement and the rights of citizens across the bloc. Adam Marshall told Sky News the British Chamber of Commerce has found that 54 per cent of firms in the UK believe the needs of businesses have not been prioritised in the negotiation timetable set by Brussels.

Steve Baker was appointed minister at the Brexit department in a shrewd move by the Prime Minister last month. He was seen as a key Brexiteer on the backbenchers and was chair of the European Research Group. In a signal from the Prime Minister that she does not intend to back down on a hard Brexit, she appointed Mr Baker as parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Exiting the EU.