Chancellor Philip Hammond to push for soft Brexit so jobs and the economy can be prioritised during talks
The Chancellor made the comments ahead of next week's Brexit negotiations
BRITAIN should aim for a softer Brexit, Chancellor Philip Hammond declared yesterday, as it emerged that Prince Andrew backs Brexit.
Speaking in Luxembourg, Mr Hammond said the UK must take a “pragmatic” approach prioritising jobs and the economy.
It came as British officials made their first major concession – agreeing to sort out divorce issues before moving onto trade talks.
At a meeting of EU finance ministers, the Chancellor said: “My clear view, and I believe the view of the majority of people in Britain, is that we should prioritise protecting jobs, protecting economic growth, protecting prosperity as we enter those negotiations and take them forward.”
But he declined to confirm whether he supported Britain staying in the single market or customs union.
Mr Hammond had been due to use a high-profile speech in the City of London on Thursday night to send out a message that the Government would protect business from shocks during the Brexit process.
But his planned address, along with Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, was cancelled after the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.
It was revealed yesterday discussions on trade will take a back seat in the one day summit between European Commission chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Brexit Secretary David Davis.
The talks, which kick off on Monday, will centre on Britain’s divorce bill - which could be as high as £100billion - the status of expats and the Northern Irish border.
EU sources claimed yesterday the British Government still hasn’t sent their paperwork outlining its opening position – despite Brussels chiefs sending theirs.
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In an interview in Singapore with the BBC, Prince Andrew said firms needed to look for “fresh grass” in other markets.
He said: “You can either look at it as a glass half-empty, which is: ‘Oh my God, why have we done this?’
“Or you could look at it as a glass half-full, which is: ‘Okay, that’s where we are. There are opportunities that we’ve got to make.’
He added: “In my experience recently, businesses that look over the garden fence have gone: ‘Hmm, [the] grass is not quite as dark and unforgiving as you might expect’.
“And actually, getting over the fence, there might be some fresh grass out there.”