Ministers try to force May's hand over Brexit as cabinet rift widens

[muriel_volestrangler]

Theresa May’s government is on the verge of meltdown as cabinet ministers prepare to clash over whether to support plans for a softer Brexit and a possible lengthy delay before leaving the European Union.

In a decisive intervention, David Gauke, the justice secretary, said on Sunday that the prime minister would have to accept the possibility of backing a customs union if the measure is supported by parliament this week.

But this was dismissed by Brexiters, including those in cabinet, who have threatened to resign if May accepts a customs union or submits to a delay that goes beyond 22 May. Those threatening to quit were reported to include Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, and Chris Grayling, the transport secretary.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/mar/31/ministers-try-to-force-mays-hand-over-brexit-as-cabinet-rift-widens

Grayling is threatening to quit? Well then, the customs union is definitely the best thing for the country.

[Matilda]

1. Why is the thought of a Customs Union such a bad thing to some?

I truly don't understand this attitude - surely it would be a good thing for trade, allowing the easy passage of goods between UK and Europe. And wouldn't it make the Ireland/Northern Ireland Border problems go away?

I must admit Brexit is a mystery to me in many ways - I think it really was driven by Farage and some very ugly people and is really about immigration. But surely, the freedom to make your own rules while still enjoying the benefits of a Customs Union with Europe is a win-win?

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. It's those with the boundless confidence that a libertarian Britain could negotiate great deals

with other countries that would be great for the UK. If we're in a customs union, new trade agreements with third-party countries are extremely restricted. However, realists know that trying to get special deals as one medium-size country is hard, and if the last 3 years have shown anything, it's that the UK is truly crap at international negotiation, these days.

[Matilda]

3. And it looks like continuing for a while to come

I can't imagine where the UK would get better trade deals - if they try for the US, Trump will insist that the deal favours them, as he always does. And Australia has turned more towards Asia now, which makes sense for us, but was a direct result of the UK joining the European Union and waving us goodbye. I don't know what other countries would be able to supply comparable deals for the UK.

What a mess it all is.