New photo David Lidington says ‘UK could escape the problematic Brexit backstop’ by just walking away from treaty

THERESA May’s de facto deputy David Lidington has told Cabinet the Government could escape the controversial backstop by simply breaking the treaty and walking away.

The senior minister stunned Mrs May and other top table colleagues by proposing the dramatic course of action if the EU try to hold Britain in it for too long.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, David Lidington has said the UK can escape the backstop by walking away from the treaty

PA:Press Association

In James Forsyth’s column, he reveals that Mr Lidington informed ministers that before Britain joined the Lisbon Treaty in 2007, there was no technical route out of the EU. It means the UK “get out” to the backstop would be to walk away and dare the EU to sue Britain themselves.

In his intervention, the once Remain-backing cabinet minister argued colleagues should not become too “hung up” on how the UK can escape from new arrangements with the EU.

He insisted Parliament could extract the country from the bloc.

But because the treaty is underpinned by international law it would breach ministerial code if ministers broke it.

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But at Cabinet it was pointed out the PM has the power to suspend the ministerial code where she deems it necessary.

Many Cabinet ministers and Brexiteers fear becoming trapped in EU red tape for years if officials fail to strike a trade deal following the transition period.

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News Pictures David Lidington says ‘UK could escape the problematic Brexit backstop’ by just walking away from treaty

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