Ken Clarke: 'Obvious we should stay in the single market and customs union'published at 13:13 Greenwich Mean Time 28 November 2018
Brexit Economic Analysis Question
House of Commons
Parliament
Tory MP Ken Clarke says it is is not possible to leave a free trade area and introduce tariff barriers, customs delays and delays at borders "without making this country poorer than it otherwise would be".
"It's difficult to see how anyone who studies economic policy can argue the contrary whilst keeeping a straight face," he adds.
He asks Mr Stride to confirm that the withdrawal agreement means no changes at all can be made to trading arrangements through March next year, "until we go into the transition period in which we can introduce practically any trading arrangements we want".
"It's obvious to me we should stay in the single market and the custom's union," he adds, and asks if Mr Stride can assure him that this is a possibility.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mel Stride says '"the deal is the best deal that delivers for this country going forwards."