Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab warns France could try a ‘go-slow’ punishment at Calais in case of No Deal Brexit
DOMINIC Raab escalated the Brexit war of words with the French – accusing them of plotting a deliberate punishment “go slow” at Calais in event of No Deal.
Taking aim, he said the UK needed “to prepare for the worst-case scenario where the authorities at Calais are deliberately directing a go-slow approach by supporting a diversion of the flow to more amenable ports in other countries.”
And he backed claims from angry Tory MPs warned Brussels this would hurt Ireland more than Britain – as so many goods destined for the Republic come through the UK.
Brexit-backing Mr Hollobone asked: “Has he made the Republic of Ireland aware that if the French start mucking about with Calais and a go-slow in the event of a no deal, the biggest impact would not be on UK trade, it will be on trade with the Republic of Ireland that passes through this country?”
Answering monthly Brexit questions in the Commons, Mr Raab said: “I’m confident the authorities in Dublin are well aware of the implications of no deal.”
And he urged Paris to help break the deadlock rather than making threats, saying: “What we want to do – and what all of us on all sides, including the EU, want to do – is to make sure we lock horns, close outstanding issues and seal the good deal that will serve everyone’s interests.”
Mr Raab also warned MPs on all sides against seeking to “wreck” any deal secured by Theresa May during the heated session.
BARNIER STORMER
REMAINER parties have asked Michel Barnier to help them secure a second referendum by announcing that he is planning for a U-turn on Brexit.
MPs led by Lib Dem Vince Cable urged the EU negotiator to start “contingency plans” for Britain staying in — saying Commons rebels were ready to trigger a referendum re-run
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