The UK could pursue alternative options if Theresa May’s Brexit plan is rejected by MPs, Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has acknowledged.
She is the first cabinet minister to publicly float the possibility of “plausible” alternatives.
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Mrs Rudd told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she still supported the PM’s plan – but “anything could happen” if it did not get through on Tuesday.
She said it could be “chaotic” if Mrs May’s deal is rejected.
Mrs Rudd said a so-called “Norway plus” option or another referendum would both be possibilities in such a situation.
A Norway plus arrangement would see the UK remaining in the European Economic Area (EEA) and joining a customs union with the EU.
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However the UK would have to accept free movement of people – breaching a previous “red line” laid down by the PM.
Ms Rudd described it as a “plausible”, but not a “desirable” option for a Plan B. She also said she was not certain it could be done.
Norway is not a member of the EU but it is part of the EEA. While a cross-party group of MPs back a similar status for the UK – the government would need to apply to join Norway and three other countries in the European Free Trade Association.
Ms Rudd said the deal Mrs May reached with the EU last month was the “best option”.
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“What we need is a compromise deal – that’s what the prime minister has proposed,” she said.
Asked why she had previously refused to speculate on possible alternatives to Mrs May’s agreement, Ms Rudd said: “We are getting closer to the vote.
“People are saying why they are not going to vote for it and I’m just pointing out if you don’t vote for it, these are the other things that could happen. Are you sure you want them more?”
Source: bbc.com