AN MP has demanded Government push ahead with the Brexit timetable after a cabinet minister supported extending the process until the end of 2022.
Shipley MP Philip Davies criticised comments made by Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark that Britain could remain in the bloc until after the next General Election.
Speaking in Parliament Mr Davies said: “Yesterday on the Today Programme the Secretary of State was arguing in favour of a proposal by the EU to extend the implementation period to the end of 2022. Was the Secretary of State doing his usual EU freelancing or is that the official policy of the UK government?”
Responding at question time Business and Industry Minister Richard Harrington said: “The Government wants to finish the future trading relationship with the EU as quickly as possible. My right honourable friend the secretary of state mentioned one alternative to achieve this.”
Mr Clark, who voted Remain is known to support a “soft a Brexit as possible”. He believes “any reasonable person” would support an extension of the transition period.
Mr Davies added: “What reasonable people want is for the Government to get on and deliver a better Brexit deal for the country not be suggesting it is delayed by another two years. The people voted to leave the EU and that is what must happen. Delaying the process will not change that, we need to get on with the job and deliver the best outcome for an independent Britain.
“This is not the first time Greg Clark has suggested delaying the process, he needs to accept the country voted to leave.”
This week at a meeting of ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier proposed extending the transition until as late as December 2022.