-Ministerial leaks and disputes risk Brexit talks
Following the U.K. general elections in June, the U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May managed to form a government with the support of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in return for an extra £1 billion of investment in Northern Ireland. However, her calling for an unexpected snap election and the subsequent loss of the party majority within Parliament caused May to lose control of her party. There have always been disagreements between Conservative Party MP’s and ministers on European Union membership. However, a recent visible dispute was witnessed between May and former Chancellor George Osborne who had for years been the closest ally of former Prime Minister David Cameron. Osborne left his MP seat and is now working as the editor-in-chief of The Evening Standard and has taken advisory roles in a number of financial institutions. Cameron, who also rejected taking a back seat, however, does not want to take any responsibility for the “possible and expected failure” of May, who served as Home Secretary under his leadership.
In recent days details of private Cabinet discussions have been leaked to the British press while the leaking of alleged documents by five cabinet members has been claimed.
Chancellor Philip Hammond has been on the frontline of Brexit discussions last week following an interview on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday in which he claimed that some of his hardline Brexit-supporting colleagues were targeting him. Hammond has also warned ministers against leaking cabinet talks on the 1 percent pay cap on public sector pay rises that some ministers want to be lifted.
Finally, on Monday, May was drawn into discussions on the leaks and urged her cabinet to stop leaking private conversations among cabinet members.
The pound fell from a 10-month high against the dollar over concerns of discord within the U.K. government.
One way or another, May will need to find another way of asserting her authority within the party as the cacophony of dissenting voices could create uncertainty for the future of Brexit negotiations. On Monday, the U.K. Brexit Secretary asked that both sides in the negotiations “get down to business” during his visit to Brussels for the second round of talks.
He is well aware of the fact that the City of London and many financial institutions in London are awaiting solid results and an indication of hope for at least a transitional deal.
He said his priority is to 'lift the uncertainty' for EU citizens living in the U.K. and for Britons living in the EU.