Dominic Raab: Britain ready for no-deal Brexit negotiations if EU refuses to compromise

Dominic Raab will today warn the EU that Britain is ready to walk away from the Brexit negotiations unless they soften their demands.



The Brexit Secretary will insist that the Government will be left with "no choice" but to leave without a deal if the EU insist on membership of the customs union of European Economic Area.

In his keynote speech to the Tory conference in Birmingham, Mr Raab will also defend the Brexit blueprint agreed at Chequers, despite widespread condemnation by Tory MPs and its outright rejection by Brussels.

"Our proposals would deliver a historic agreement that provides a roadmap out of the EU and a final deal that will be good for the whole country," he will say.

"A deal that delivers on the referendum, because that’s our democratic duty. A deal that manages the risks of Brexit, because that’s our responsibility. A deal that grasps the opportunities of Brexit, because we’re at our best when we’re optimistic about the future. And a deal that protects our precious union, because we are the Conservative and Unionist Party.

"But our willingness to compromise is not without limits. We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name.

"If we can’t obtain a deal that secures that objective...if an attempt is made to lock us in via the back door of the EEA and customs union...or if the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union. Then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal."

Theresa May has insisted that she will not ditch her Chequers plan, despite calls from Tory Brexiteers for the Government to pursue a Canada-style free trade agreement instead.

Shadow Brexit minister Paul Blomfield MP said Mr Raab was "in denial".

"His approach is dogmatic, not pragmatic," he said. "The Chequers’ proposals have been rejected by his own party and by the EU. Chequers cannot command support at Conservative conference, let alone in Parliament or across the country.

"Labour has offered to work with the Conservatives in the national interest if the Brexit deal meets our six tests. That means committing to a customs union, a strong single market deal and guaranteeing rights and protections. However, the Tories’ refusal to work with Labour is putting jobs and the economy at risk from a no deal Brexit.

"This is further proof Theresa May is failing on Brexit and failing the country too."