Trump support for Brexit is another 'arrow' for PM to aim at Brussels during divorce talks
MICHAEL GOVE believes Donald Trump's support of Brexit leaves Theresa May in a stronger negotiating position with Brussels.
The Conservative MP and the first British journalist to interview the President-elect, claimed the American’s unwavering support is “another arrow in the quiver” for when the Prime Minister sits down with EU ministers to negotiate Brexit.
Mr Trump, who will be inaugurated into the White House on Friday, told the former Cabinet minister and Times columnist Britain has a “special place” in his heart and wants to strike up a swift deal with Mrs May when she visits Washington.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Gove said the President-elect's support further strengthens the Prime Minister’s position at the Brussels negotiating table.
The Tory backbencher said: “It’s another card in Theresa May’s hand. Over the course of the last week, we’ve seen the Government’s position – I think in the eyes of most neutral observers – strengthen.
The Prime Minister has actually cards in her hand that will enable her to secure a better deal
“We’ve seen Michel Barnier [The EU's chief Brexit negotiator] acknowledge that the strength of the City is vital for the European Union.
"We’ve seen Philip Hammond make the point that Britain could change its economic model and if the European Union wants to hang tough then we can respond.
“I think the Chancellor is right to take the position that he has, and this is another card in the Prime Minister’s hand, another arrow in her quiver because the European Union, until now, has been seen to have a better hand to play.
“But, now, the Prime Minister has actually cards in her hand – dare I say Trump – that will enable her, I think, to secure a better deal.”
Mr Gove, who was at the centre of the official Leave campaign, praised Mrs May for her “exemplary” handling of Brexit, having taken over from David Cameron, who resigned following the referendum result.
The Prime Minister is due to set out her plan for the EU departure during a speech on Tuesday to diplomats at London's Lancaster House, where she is expected to announce that Britain will leave the single market and customs union to regain greater control over immigration.
An article in the Sunday Telegraph cited “sources familiar with the Prime Minister’s thinking” as saying Mrs May is seeking to appease the eurosceptic wing of her party.
Mr Gove, who was sacked as Justice Secretary by Mrs May, said she was right to opt for a ‘hard’ or ‘clean’ Brexit. He said: “I think that is the logical consequence of the vote on June 23.
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“The Prime Minister has cards in her hand but she should play them as close to her chest as she thinks is right in the national interest.
“I’m a backbencher now – I’m a commentator – I can have a view on this matter and I’ve expressed my views in the pages of the Times and I will on Radio 4.”
He called for the Government to be allowed a “little slack” when it comes to the Brussels negotiations and said the House of Commons should respect Mrs May’s decisions because she is acting in the “best interests” of Britain.
The former education secretary was quick to respond to former Ukip leader Nigel Farage casting doubt that Mrs May would be able to strike up a relationship with Donald Trump.
Mr Farage and Mr Gove have now both met with the American before the Prime Minister was given the opportunity, but Mr Gove said he had told members of her team about the interview.
“I think she will be pleased that the next president of the United States has such high regard for her, her office, this country and really does want to be on the same page as her,” he said.