Internally divided, British government in dilemma over Brexit

Prime Minister Theresa May is facing divisions among her Cabinet over how she will take Britain out of the EU.

As the ruling Conservative Party failed to win a majority in the House of Commons in the recent general election, British Prime Minister Theresa May's stance on a "hard" Brexit became uncertain and many members of the government had different views on Brexit.

British Finance Minister Philip Hammond. Photo: Alamy

British Finance Minister Philip Hammond on June 27 criticized Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's view that Britain would not lose out by choosing to leave. According to Mr. Hammond, political maneuvering is the biggest threat to the Brexit deal, and warned that a bad deal could affect the economic interests of both the UK and the European Union (EU).

Chancellor Hammond has asserted his authority in Prime Minister Theresa May's government by publicly criticizing Foreign Secretary Johnson, a key figure in the hard Brexit camp. Johnson argues that Britain should retain the benefits of EU membership without having to share the costs with the EU, a view that has angered Germany.

Meanwhile, according to Minister Hammond, Britain needs to be smart in finding ways to cooperate with the EU so that when it is no longer in the union, both sides can still maintain the benefits they have had up to now.

“My view is to ensure that we maintain a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the UK and the European Union,” Mr Hammond said. “The truth is that the UK has never been deeply politically integrated with the EU. Our different histories can lead to different views on the role of the EU, even though we share common values ​​and views on many issues around the world.”

Minister Hammond also proposed a four-year transition period after the EU, during which, within the customs union, the UK could negotiate but would not sign any trade deals with third countries.

Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary David Davis disagreed with Chancellor Hammond's call for a transition period during which the UK would remain in the EU customs union, even if it could not immediately strike its own trade deals.

Mr Davis said Mr Hammond was inconsistent and believed the UK could strike trade deals as soon as it leaves the EU in March 2019.

Disagreements within the British government are putting Prime Minister Theresa May in a dilemma.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s government has drawn up plans for a “hard Brexit”, including leaving the EU single market, agreeing new customs arrangements, taking control of the border and restricting immigration from the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May has said that “no deal is better than a bad deal for Britain”.

However, the recent general election – which was widely seen as a “misstep” on her part – could reshape the Brexit issue.

There are growing calls for Prime Minister Theresa May to take a softer stance in Brexit negotiations, meaning making more concessions, with the economy being her priority. But if she does so, she could face an immediate leadership change in her Conservative Party.

Even members of the ruling party seem to have prepared candidates to replace their leader if she fails to present an opening agenda for the parliamentary session and has a "soft" view on the Brexit issue.

On the official launch day of Brexit negotiations with the EU in Brussels, Belgium on June 19, Minister Davis affirmed that, although the government's position is weaker after the general election, there will be no contrary views from Prime Minister Theresa May on the Brexit plan.

However, with current internal disagreements and Prime Minister Theresa May under pressure from many sides, it is unclear what scenario will happen with the Brexit issue./.