STEPHEN CRABB has visited Brussels as part of the Commons Brexit Committee, and warned that there is ‘near zero appetite’ in the European Union for renegotiating the withdrawal agreement.
After Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal was rejected by the House of Commons, many MPs voted to request changes. The Prime Minister hopes to secure amendments to the deal that had been agreed in November last year, but the EU maintains that it has already negotiated a deal and that it won’t do so again. Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, travelled to Brussels as part of the Commons Brexit committee.
On his way back, Mr Crabb sent out several tweets, detailing his thoughts regarding the ongoing discussions between the UK and EU.
He said: “Near zero appetite around Brussels for reopening Withdrawal Agreement. Support for Backstop and Irish Gov v solid. For EU, it’s not just a question of Good Friday Agreement. Concerns over an open backdoor into single market.
“Real exasperation & frustration about what EU says were contradictory votes by MPs. Do not regard Brady amendment majority as stable. Little sign that the amendment has created a new dynamic in Brussels thus far.
“Our committee did an effective job in demonstrating to our guests the spread of views in the Commons and lack of consensus on way forward.
“Unlike the Withdrawal Agreement, we heard repeatedly that there is scope for reopening text of Political Declaration to provide greater clarity & certainty on the new relationship rather than vague aspirations and optionality.
“’A more ambitious political declaration’ is key phrase. Backstop won’t disappear from WA however. But a PD that pivots to closer longterm UK-EU relationship will solve a lot of the perceived problem.
“Even if (big if) some eventual movement on WA to provide greater comfort and build trust, unlikely to be enough to get through Commons.”
Mr Crabb also mentioned the ‘Malthouse Compromise’ – named after housing minister Kit Malthouse, who encouraged talks between different groups of MPs. Engineered by both Leave and Remain supporters, the compromise suggests extending the transition period for a year until the end of 2021 and protecting EU citizens’ rights, instead of using the backstop.
Mr Crabb continued: “Regarding Malthouse Compromise, no one seriously entertaining this yet it seems.
“Lots of discussion about potential delay to Brexit. But big question is for what purpose. They want more than just more process. Need clear path forward and that requires a stable Commons majority for a deal.
“No great revelations today. Difficult few weeks ahead I suspect as we go round the mountain again with little sign of a way forward.
“I still think the original deal or something v similar is most likely outcome compared to other current options. But will be very late in day and under a cloud of pol and econ [political and economic] crisis.”
