In the first formal meeting since the Brexit vote, the cabinet sat down to discuss the way forward. They argued that Britain would have to rediscover the buccaneering spirit and recapture the energy from the Victorian Era to trade successfully outside the European Union.
The International Trade Secretary Liam Fox optimistically suggested the government to rethink the way it targets new markets. However, a sceptical Philip Hammond warned Britain to “live within its means”. The Chancellor said the country would have to address the productivity gap which has not helped with economic growth for the country.
Held in the Prime Minister’s country residence, Chequers, the cabinet meeting was the first full briefing the PM requested for before the summer recess. The various departments of government
were asked to conduct an internal review to see what could be done post the Brexit vote.
Whitehall sources said departments who are less impacted by the vote had done little over the recess to prepare the official position papers as many departments assumed the ‘heavy lifting’ would be done by the Brexit department. Another department reported they had not started any formal work on Brexit.
However, other departments like the Home Office have developed a formal position. They are eager to push part of the security measures which benefit Britain and the EU. During her tenure as Home Secretary, Theresa May supported the European Arrest Warrant. She has also backed the Passenger Name Record which gives police information about criminals travelling between European nations.
Priti Patel, the international development secretary got a 5 of 5 in Brexit rank of cabinet members, meaning she was “hard as nails” Brexit.
