Express & Star

Express & Star comment: Theresa May has nothing to lose by being tough in Brexit talks

The longer the Brexit talks have continued, the more apparent it has become that there is a fifth column element operating within British politics.

Published
Theresa May and EU President Jean-Claude Juncker

These individuals are not bound by party loyalty, but in a shared belief that 17.4 million people were wrong when they voted for the UK to leave the EU.

The worst type of Remoaners want to force through a second referendum that they hope will derail the Brexit process completely.

In their view, even if Brexit does happen it should be in name only, meaning this country keeps as close a connection as possible with the bloc.

This scenario is not what the British public voted for in the biggest plebiscite this country has ever seen.

Leaked

Since the turn of the year we have seen exactly how the EU proposes to conduct its talks with the British Government.

A leaked document revealed how Brussels wants the power to restrict the UK's access to the single market during the transition period.

This is something the UK should never accept.

The likes of Michel Barnier and Jean-Claude Juncker are in no position to dictate the state of play to Theresa May.

Neither are the other nations in the EU, many of which have deep and complex problems on home soil that leave them in no position to attempt to call Britain's bluff.

In her rather precarious political position, Mrs May has nothing to lose by taking a tougher stance with her EU counterparts.

In fact, as she is not expected to be this country's long term leader, she could quite easily operate with a degree of freedom not afforded to those who are more entrenched.

She is well aware that within her own party there are those who are urging her to take a tough stance with the EU.

A long line of Brexiteers led by the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg and Sir Bill Cash will back the Prime Minister to the hilt, providing she is not cowed by the lingering pro-Remain elements inside the Tory ranks.

More importantly, Mrs May will also have the support of the millions of Britons who just want the Government to get on with delivering Brexit.