Boris Johnson, foreign secretary, and David Davis, Brexit secretary, argued against a line in Mrs May’s draft speech that spoke of a “binding commitment to align” in certain sectors.
Greg Clark, business secretary, and Philip Hammond, chancellor, have argued that Britain should accept EU rules in sectors with long supply chains or with complex regulations — including a role for EU agencies and the European Court of Justice. They have also proposed that heavily regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and aviation should also continue to operate under the EU regulators, arguing there is no sense in Britain adopting a parallel regime.
But officials briefed on the cabinet talks say that Brexiters balked at the idea, which they feared suggested Britain would stay under EU rules forever in certain sectors. “They place a great importance on having the right to diverge,” said one. Downing Street said “constructive suggestions” were made for amendments to the draft speech and deny there was a row. A compromise text spoke of a “strong commitment” to align.