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Brexit campaigner Mr Gove was talking with Tory MPs and peers at a dinner when the Conservative MP raised the scenario where the UK would remain in the European Economic Area (EEA), like Norway, so they could avoid the chaos of a disorderly ‘no deal’ exit. The cabinet minister was speaking at a private dinner of the Green Chip group, which was set up in support of David Cameron during his time as Prime Minister, with about 20 Tory MPs and peers on June 25. According to the Financial Times, one MP at the dinner said: “He was steering the conversation towards the EEA idea.

Tory Eurosceptics will be enraged by the backing of a Norway-style Brexit

“There’s no doubt about that.” Mr Gove has publicly insisted the UK should focus on leaving the EU next March and try to secure a better Brexit deal over the next few years. And one of Mr Gove’s allies leapt to his defence, insisting: “He wasn’t advocating the EEA. “He’s totally behind the prime minister’s Chequers strategy. He’s not considering any other option. He likes discussing things.”

Michael Gove made the comments at a Green Chip group dinner

Mr Gove has publicly insisted the UK should focus on leaving the EU next March

Tory Eurosceptics will be enraged by the backing of a Norway-style Brexit, who would see it as crossing Theresa May’s red lines. It comes as top Tories are continually raising the prospect of a no deal scenario. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said it is increasingly likely the UK will leave the EU without any deal as Mrs May has cut short her summer holiday to Italy to discuss options with President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow.