Tory backbench Brexiters plan to steer government’s course through EU exit
A group of backbench Tory Brexiteers want to steer the government’s agenda with regular Westminster meetings.
The group, led by Leave campaigner Steve Baker, wants to push for free trade deals with countries around the world and cool fears of a post-EU trading exile.
Baker is understood to be concerned that failure to coordinate Conservative MPs and provide positive visions for Brexit may generate a void for former Remain campaigners to lead debates.
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More than 30 MP have registered support for the group, which met for the first time on Thursday morning to co-ordinate ahead of a debate on Brexit and the City.
The session saw Baker lead a briefing for MPs – including one former cabinet member – with former trade negotiator Shanker Singham, now of the Legatum Institute.
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MPs debated the limits of equivalence for the City and the time needed to secure a deal with the EU.
It is planned as the first of many efforts – a debate next week on workers’ rights is set as members next focus.