Comment

British MPs should defend British interests, not those of the European Union

David Davis
David Davis is heading to Germany with Philip Hammond for talks with the Germans Credit:  DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP

David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, has sought legal advice over claims that the EU’s preparations for the UK’s departure are harming British business. In a letter to Theresa May outlining his concerns, he said there was “a growing number of instances where the UK is treated differently by EU institutions before we leave the EU and in a way that is frequently damaging for UK interests”.

This has elicited derision from the Government’s Labour critics. They say that it is a bit rich ministers complaining about the EU making ready for a “no deal” outcome when Mrs May is doing the same. In fact, while preparations have to be made in case there is no deal, the Government’s policy is to achieve one. Whether we do is as much up to the EU as the UK. But the aim is for transitional arrangements, and the Commission does not include these in its guidance to businesses over the likely impact of Brexit. Britain wants this revised.

Until we leave, we remain a full member of the Union and pay our dues so are entitled to equal treatment. It is one thing for the EU to prepare for all possible outcomes, quite another to disadvantage a member in doing so. But what is unconscionable is for Opposition MPs to egg them on. A referendum was held and the country voted to leave. More than that, the House of Commons agreed by an overwhelming majority to trigger Article 50 and begin the process of withdrawal.

The terms of Brexit are still to be determined and the Government has yet to set out where it thinks we might end up. But in the meantime it behoves all parliamentarians to defend the interests of this country, not those of the EU. Legal challenges are pointless since this is a political matter requiring trust and goodwill on both sides. With that in mind Mr Davis is travelling with Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, to Germany today for what is the beginning of a “charm offensive” aimed at convincing the Europeans to embrace a pragmatic and mutually beneficial approach to Brexit.

There is concern that the Germans are seeking to thwart the so-called three baskets proposal for the UK’s future trading relationship with the European Union. This would meet both the stated Tory and Labour policies of leaving the customs union and the single market while retaining close links with Europe. British politicians should support plans like this which are in the national interest, not seek to undermine them.

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