Boris Johnson has warned Theresa May that he expects her to stay true to her word and leave the EU’s customs union.
The foreign secretary made clear that he did not want the prime minister to trigger the “backstop” that would keep the UK aligned to the customs union beyond 2020.
“Brexiters fearing betrayal over the customs backstop must understand that the PM has been very clear that it is not an outcome we desire; we want a deal with the EU and she will deliver it,” he told his Eurosceptic colleagues.
“I’m convinced that the prime minister will be true to her promises of a Brexit deal – that sees Britain will come out of the customs union and single market, have borders as frictionless as possible, reject ECJ [European court of justice] interference, control immigration and be free to conduct unhindered free trade deals across the world. We must now give the prime minister time and space to negotiate this Brexit vision”.
The government is currently working on a backstop scheme so the UK can remain within the EU’s customs union while solving the Irish border issue.
Johnson and May both face intense pressure to stay clear fro any deal that will keep the UK tied to the customs union.
Speaking from his five day trip to Peru, Argentina and Chile, Johnson emphasized the importance of allowing trade with non-EU countries.
Already during my time in South America I’ve been bowled over by the optimism and excitement from nations keen to forge deeper ties and new trading relationships with the UK. Make no mistake, we will be ready to take advantage of these opportunities when we leave the EU,” he said.
Johnson is the first British foreign secretary to visit Argentina in over 20 years.