May Tames Divided Tories as Business Cheers Soft Brexit Plan
- U.K. plan keeps EU rules on goods but goes own way on services
- Proposal makes an orderly divorce deal with EU more likely
Cabinet ministers gather at Chequers on July 6.
Photographer: Joel Rouse/Downing StreetThis article is for subscribers only.
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May imposed her vision of a soft Brexit on her divided Cabinet, pleasing business with a plan to keep close trade ties to the European Union and telling insolent ministers to get behind her or resign.
Her plan, which would set up a free-trade area with the EU and mirror EU rules for goods and food, goes against much of what pro-Brexit Cabinet ministers have long demanded. But after months of threatened resignations or leadership challenges, none have so far materialized.