Norman Lamont warns 'Brexit will not mean Brexit' in EU law export row

Tory former chancellor Norman Lamont has warned “Brexit will not mean Brexit” if EU law continued to be applied to UK firms that did not even export to the bloc.

The Conservative peer, who sits as Lord Lamont of Lerwick, stressed the difference between access to the single market and membership of it.

He also argued many countries had increased their exports to the single market – more than the UK – despite not being members.

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Lord Lamont made his remarks following calls by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Taverne for the UK to maintain its membership of the single market.

He told the Government to ensure future prosperity and trade “the least bad solution is to preserve our membership of the single market at all costs”.

Responding, Brexit minister Lord Bridges of Headley said: “We are determined to protect and build on our economic strengths whilst implementing the decision of the British people to leave the EU.

“We want the right deal for trade and services for the United Kingdom.”

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He added: “We are analysing the position, analysing the options open and determined to come up with the best option for the country.”

Lord Lamont said: “Will he acknowledge that there is a difference between access to the single market and membership of the single market.

“And will he recognise the fact that there are many countries that have increased their exports to the single market more than we have and are not members of the single market.

“And if we are to have a situation in which EU law continues to be applied to companies in this country, which are not even exporting to the EU, then Brexit will not mean Brexit.”

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Lord Bridges said: “He’s absolutely right to draw the distinction between access and membership.

“We are and we must never forget that we are negotiating from a position of considerable economic strength in this country.

“As we enter these negotiations that should buoy us.”

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