Former Tory Cabinet Ministers Iain Duncan Smith and Owen Paterson draw up ‘A Route Map to Brexit’ and demand strict new immigration rules for Britain
Top Tories propose a work permit and cap to control the numbers of EU migrants
BRITAIN could be out of the EU within two years with a work permit immigration system under plans being circulated in No 10.
Iain Duncan Smith, Owen Paterson, Peter Lilley and John Redwood are demanding the PM quicken our EU exit and strict new rules on immigration.
Their detailed report contains comprehensive plans for a swift triggering of the Article 50 exit process and the drawing up of a “Repeal Bill of the 1972 European Communities Act.”
Copies of the report have been have been placed in the in-trays of Theresa May and Brexit Secretary David Davis, as well as their closest advisers.
One of the authors told The Sun: “Well everybody keeps asking what Brexit means, so now they can find out.”
Former Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith demands that “no migrants are eligible for in work or out of work benefits until they have lived in the country for five years, or made National Insurance payments over a four-year period.”
On immigration, the top Tories propose a work permit and cap to control the numbers of EU migrants – it would be similar to the same restrictions applied to the rest of the world.
But it makes clear that students, EU tourists and intra-company transfers would be exempt from the rule tightening.
The former Cabinet Ministers stress that any work permits would only be issued to lower skilled if the government of the day judged there were not enough British applicants.
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On trade, former Welsh Secretary John Redwood demands: “It is in both sides' interest to reach an earlier agreement to reduce business uncertainty.”
He added: “If there is a breakdown or no likelihood of agreement, then the UK should withdraw and after the two-year period the UK will be formally out and trade will revert to WTO rules.”
The report was drawn up at high level secret talks at All Souls College, Oxford earlier this month with senior Tories present as well as top wonks from the Centre for Social Justice and Legatum Institute think tanks.
It came as the IPPR group called for a new committee to identify North of England’s Brexit priorities and assist government on negotiations.
Ed Cox, boss of the IPPR North think tank, said: “The North’s £300bn economy faces real opportunities and challenges from Brexit but this clearly must be balanced against concerns on immigration and jobs.”
He added: “Whether it’s top business leaders or trade union leaders, politicians, scientists and innovators or others, we want to hear who northerners think should join our 'all-star team' for the North.”
It also emerged that Brexit-backing businessman John Longworth is to spearhead a new campaign group for a “hard Brexit”.
He said Britain could become a “beacon of global trade after quitting the Single Market” as he announced he had joined the ‘Leave Means Leave’ group.