May on collision course with Brexiteers as Tory chairman LAUGHS OFF Rees-Mogg's concerns
THE Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis has dismissed fears from Brexiteers of a "cretinous" deal with the European Union, and confirmed that Theresa May would push ahead with the controversial customs partnership.
MP dismisses Rees Mogg's statement about EU partnership
Brandon Lewis has today confirmed the Government will not change their mind on the customs partnership despite growing concerns from Brexiteers.
The leading figure in the Conservative Party threw his support behind the controversial agreement with the EU, after vehemently denying it was similar to a customs union.
Brexiteers have voiced their fury at the proposal, with prominent backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg calling the plan "unworkable" and "cretinous".
Reports this morning confirm that Theresa May is standing by her plan to enter into a "hybrid customs union" with the EU after Brexit.
Speaking to Andrew Marr this morning, Mr Lewis joked that Mr Rees-Mogg has a "wonderful way with words" but insisted that a customs partnership would enable Britain to secure "really good trade".
Marr pressed the Tory Chairman on how a customs partnership would be different to a customs union, which he had earlier ruled out.
Mr Lewis said: "It's different. It’s an agreement with the European Union to be able to trade frictionless and across easy, efficient borders, so we can continue really good trade.
"Importantly it gives us the ability to strike trade deals around the world where there is so much opportunity for the British economy.
"There is the argument from Vince Cable and the lot about the staying in the customs union but if we stay in the customs union we would have less say, and less power about the tariffs put upon us.
"With this partnership, we would negotiate agreements we have as we go forward and that will be part of the negotiations about the final end state after the implantation period."
Jacob has his own wonderful way with words
Marr asked: "So, why does Jacob Rees-Mogg describe the parternship as cretinous?"
Mr Lewis responded: "We haven’t seen the final decision and Jacob has his own wonderful way with words.
"I think it’s important we have the opportunity to get trade deals around the world and with our partners in Europe.
"That is what the Prime Minister and David Davis will deliver."
Earlier this week, Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg branded the plan “completely cretinous” and said it would effectively result in Britain staying in the single market.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Open Europe think tank in Westminster on Tuesday, the outspoken backbencher said: “It’s completely cretinous. It’s a silly idea. It wouldn’t work. It’s impractical. It’s bureaucratic. And it means we’re effectively in the single market.”
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, has also ruled out the possibility of it working.
Brexit ministers have told the Prime Minister that the plan is "unworkable" and will never been accepted by Brussels.
The customs partnership or hybrid model would involve Britain collecting EU tariffs at its border.
The UK would then rebate the charges if the goods end up in the British market and Britain has a lower tariff rate.