Dominic Raab’s Commons debut as Brexit Secretary didn’t go exactly as he would have hoped. He was greeted with louder heckles than normal from the Opposition owing to the fact that the Brexit white paper had not been given to MPs prior to the statement. Despite this, Raab put in a solid performance as he tried to show it was business as usual despite a turbulent week for the government which saw David Davis and Boris Johnson quit the frontbench – and a Eurosceptic rebellion brewing.
The publication of the White Paper is unlikely to calm nerves. The issues that are set to stoke the most interest include the fact the government is now seeking ‘association agreement’ – something they appeared to previously dismiss. There will be no services deal for the City and bulk of the economy. Finally, on immigration, there is the possibility of preferential access for EU citizens after Brexit – however, No 10 insist that any deal offered will be the same deal available to any country that is a close partner and that this will not amount to freedom of movement.
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