Tory Remainers urged to keep 'open mind' over PM's Brexit plans
Cabinet minister Liam Fox has urged Tory Remainers to keep an "open mind" after they threatened to rebel over the approach to membership of a customs union.
The International Trade Secretary suggested the Brexit "war cabinet" on Thursday has agreed proposals that would deal with their fears.
Former minister and leading Tory rebel Anna Soubry had warned she had cross-party support for a new amendment to the Government's trade bill that would mandate the UK to form a customs union with Brussels after Brexit.
"We need to be free to orientate ourselves towards the big economies outside the EU" - International Trade Secretary @LiamFox on #Brexit 'divergence' #marrpic.twitter.com/OhMIJftCJo
-- The Andrew Marr Show (@MarrShow) February 25, 2018
Mr Fox told BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show: "I would say to my colleagues that Theresa May has kept a broad range of views on the European issue for a reason.
"We sat down with those differing views, we set out the issues, we looked at the options and we came to an agreement that we are all happy with."
He added: "I hope that they will have an open mind and listen to what the Prime Minister says because I think that what the Prime Minister will set out will deal with a lot of the reservations that they have."
Fox on #Marr makes clear govt continues to have an absolutist position on leaving SM/CU. They have no plan B if the EU rejects it https://t.co/J0xIZQGFNN
-- Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) February 25, 2018
Asked if legislation was being delayed because the Government would lose, he replied: "We want to persuade our colleagues of the merits of our argument before we take the bill forward."
