Michael Gove urges Theresa May to deliver a ‘full Brexit’ and not get ‘trapped’ in the single market and customs union
Tory former education secretary and prominent Brexiteer suggested anything less would amount to a ‘fake Brexit’
MICHAEL Gove has urged the Government to deliver a "full Brexit" by ensuring the UK quits the European single market and customs union.
The Tory former education secretary and prominent Brexiteer suggested anything less would amount to a "fake Brexit" and leave the UK “trapped”.
Writing for the website Mr Gove, who was one of the Leave campaign's leading voices in the EU referendum, said: "We need to deliver a full Brexit, not settle for fake Brexit.
"Once Article 50 is triggered, we should be very clear about our simple, straightforward, generous approach to leaving.
"We don't want or need to be in the single market - outside we can control our own borders, laws and taxes. Inside we're trapped.
"We don't want to be bound by being members of the customs union. Outside we can negotiate new trade deals with emerging economies. Inside we're trapped.
"And we don't need to waste months talking about new tariffs.
"We don't have any at the moment with Europe, we don't want to impose any and attempts to over-complicate the issue are a trap."
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Meanwhile, Mr Gove also outlined his belief that the Government could secure a quick and "amicable" Brexit deal.
He said the Government should guarantee the rights of all EU citizens currently here to stay, and pledge to continue its role as the principal European defender of Nato's eastern border.
If it also offered to continue co-operation on science funding and agreed to respect EU regulations when selling to their market "then we could - quickly - reach an amicable agreement".
Speculation over whether the UK will remain in the lucrative European single market and customs union post-Brexit has dominated political discussion since the nation voted to leave the EU.
Prime Minister Theresa May told Sky News on Sunday the Government is "working to get the best possible deal" for the UK on the issue of trade.
But she all but confirmed the UK would be leaving the single market after stressing the importance that will be given to gaining full control over immigration during divorce negotiations with Brussels.
Slapping down those who she said had suggested the UK could "keep bits" of EU membership, she added: “We are leaving. We are coming out. We are not going to be a member of the EU any longer."