They say ‘a week in politics is a long time’, and none more so than the week we said goodbye to some big names in politics, David Davies, and Boris Johnson who felt their “Brexit dream was dying”. The result was a big shuffle in the political party to replace these two key roles within Brexit negotiations. There really hasn’t been much time to take a breath between all the updates about Brexit; it’s surprising that the football got a look-in over the last few weeks.
So, instead of reading countless articles about Brexit updates, economy overviews and the political games that have ensued, we thought we would provide you with a brief overview so that you can get back to your busy lives:
Brexit Update
With Teresa May suggesting Britain adhere to a Common Rule Book with Europe and sign up to provisions in order to sustain a ‘level-playing-field’, it appears her compromises on the Chequers proposal has left the Tory party torn. It could be that Teresa May will have to accept Eurosceptic amendments to her plan in order to evade a Tory rebellion, whilst on the other side, many MPs back the call for a second Brexit referendum as Justin Greening coins May’s Brexit deal “the worst of both worlds”. May has said there will be no second referendum “under any circumstances”; although, we have seen bigger surprises in this Brexit journey!
Positivity around Brexit, however, comes from the Department for International Trade with chief trade negotiator, Crawford Falconer, wondering if Britons will look back in a decade’s time and think, “why were we so negative about our future?” (particularly as the world is “begging” to trade with the UK). He believes the opportunities in a post-Brexit world are plentiful, with many exciting leads outside of the EU already made public.
US President Trump visited the UK on Friday 13th July where Trump stated that he has “no doubt” that the UK and the US will have “a great trade deal”. Trump was complimentary of Britain’s manufacturing sector, saying in an interview with Piers Morgan: “We would make a great deal with the United Kingdom because they have products we like.” We will have to wait and see what this relationship will entail, particularly as America gets tighter on its trading rules.
Not to mention- May’s latest Brexit proposal could see trade deals outside of the EU more difficult to obtain with regulations set up in Brexit negotiations.
Politics Update
Political roles have seen a shuffle around since the resignation of two key Brexit MPs (Davies and Johnson). Both handed in resignations after disagreements over May’s vision for Brexit policy. Davies believes that the Chequers compromise would see the UK adopt a “weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one.”
Brexit is playing a key role in political upheaval and debate, with Teresa May’s Chequers proposal causing big movements on both sides of the Brexit camp (as aforementioned). It’s clear that Brexit will play a big role in how political developments, which will trickle into every part of British life, will unfold over the next year.
Following a string of resignations and promotions, the current cabinet is as follows:
–David Lidington: Minister for Cabinet Office
Remain supported, Replaced Damien Green.
–Philip Hammond: Chancellor
Remain supporter, soft Brexit advocate.
–Jeremy Hunt: Foreign Secretary
Previous Health Secretary, Replaces Boris Johnson
–Sajid Javid: Home Secretary
Became MP in 2010, Replaced Amber Rudd
–Dominic Raab: Brexit Secretary
Leave supporter, Replaced David Davies
–Gavin Williamson: Defence Secretary
Close Ally to May.
–Matthew Hancock: Health & Social Care
Promoted to Health Secretary, Replaced Jeremey Hunt
–David Gauke: Justice Secretary:
First Solicitor to take the role.
–Damian Hinds: Education Secretary
Remain supporter, Replaced Justine Greening (who refused to move from Department for Work and Pensions).
–Liam Fox: International Trade Secretary
Leave supporter, Leader of the new department.
–Greg Clark: Business Secretary
Remain supporter, In role since July 2016
–Michael Gove: Environment Secretary
Leave supporter, Returning MP.
–Chris Grayling: Transport Secretary
In Cabinet since 2012.
–James Brokenshire: Housing & Communities
Returned after Rudd resignation.
–Baroness Evans: Leader of Lords
In the role since 2016
–David Mundell: Scottish Secretary
In the role since June 2017
–Alun Cairns: Welsh Secretary
Became a MP in 2010.
–Karen Bradley: Northern Ireland Secretary
Protégé of May, Replaces James Brokenshire
–Penny Mordaunt: Intl Development Secretary
Leave supporter, In role since November 2016.
–Jeremy Wright: Culture Secretary
Replaces Matt Hancock.
–Esther McVey: Work & Pensions Secretary
–Brandon Lewis: Party Chair
Replaced Sir Patrick McLoughlin.
Continue here for our economy update.
Article by: Nick Clement