The UK could be left with “no choice” but a no-deal Brexit if the EU tries to “lock us in” to a customs union, according to Dominic Raab.
The Brexit secretary will tell his party’s conference later that any attempt “via the back door” will be met with the UK walking away.
He will say the UK’s willingness to compromise is “not without limits”.
Later, Chancellor Philip Hammond will attempt to look beyond Brexit in a speech about plans to raise salaries.
Mr Raab – who has been a vocal supporter of Brexit – will say: “We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name.
“If an attempt is made to lock us in via the back door of the EEA [European Economic Area] and customs union… or if the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union, then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal.”
But he will also use his speech to repeat his backing for Theresa May’s Brexit plan – known as Chequers – which has received criticism from both Remainers and Leavers.
Brexiteers feel it keeps the UK far too close to Brussels and doesn’t fulfil the promise to “take back control”.
EU leaders have rejected the plan because they believe it would undermine the single market by allowing the UK to “cherry pick” from EU law.
Source: BBC
