Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, responding to Philip Hammond’s comments that the UK will seek a Brexit transitional deal for up to three years, said:

“Labour has been calling on the Government to commit to appropriate transitional arrangements for a long time. If jobs and the economy are to come first, there can be no threat of a cliff-edge for businesses after we leave the European Union.

“The Chancellor now appears to accept this. However, in light of the clear divisions this week within the Cabinet, I hope the Chancellor was not merely speaking in a personal capacity.

“I also hope that this is the final burial of the flawed proposition that ‘no deal’ is a viable option.”