Ministers against ‘No-Deal’ Brexit

Work and Pensions Secretary, Amber Rudd, has said history will take “a dim view” of ministers if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement. Ms Rudd told a cabinet meeting earlier that the UK would be less safe if there was a no-deal Brexit.

Business Secretary Greg Clark has also told MPs a no-deal exit in March “should not be contemplated”. MPs are set to consider later a measure which may restrict the government’s tax powers in the event of a no-deal exit.

The government has refused to rule out leaving the EU without an agreement and is continuing to make contingency plans. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told the Commons that ministers would be accused of “irresponsibility” if they weren’t planning for all eventualities.

In other developments, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has cast doubt on claims UK and EU officials are talking about delaying Brexit if MPs reject Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement. German and Irish foreign ministers meet to try to find a “fix” for the Irish border backstop, while British PM Theresa May appears to be facing a growing backlash against a possible no-deal Brexit – if her agreement is voted down next week.