Brexit: UK does not stand up to Brussels intimidation, according to Raab

Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab criticized the government's "lack of political will and will" in its relations with the European Union.

Raab, who resigned Thursday following the Brexit deal, told The Sunday Times that the UK should take a tougher stance against "tyrants" and be ready to withdraw from negotiations if necessary.

The draft withdrawal agreement of the Prime Minister has attracted much criticism.

Theresa May, however, rejected suggestions that the agreement could be changed.

House Leader Andrea Leadsom, considered one of five ministers hoping to persuade the Prime Minister to rethink his plan, said the agreement could be further improved.

But Ms. May, writing Sunday in the sun, said that it was the only deal that would work: "There is no alternative plan on the table. There is no" 39 different approach so that we can agree with the EU. "

The publication of the draft withdrawal agreement on Wednesday was the starting point for several tumultuous days for Ms. May. Two senior ministers and several other junior ministers and advisers resigned.

Some conservative Brexiteers who are not happy with the system have also sent letters of censorship to Ms. May.

& # 39; Blackmail & # 39;

The 585-page document sets out the conditions for leaving the UK, including details such as the amount of money paid to the EU, the details of the transition period and the rights of citizens.

The UK and the EU want to avoid a difficult northern Irish border, so they decided to put in place a "safety plan" – or backup plan – in case they could not reach an agreement long-term commercial in this sense.

This would mean that Northern Ireland would remain more closely aligned with certain EU rules, deemed unacceptable by critics.

And the UK would not be able to leave the backstop without the consent of the EU.

Mr. Raab said that if an agreement could not be concluded "on reasonable terms", the government should "go away" and tell the country that it would not be the object of "Blackmail or intimidation" by the EU.

"I think there is one thing missing: political will and resolution," he said. "I'm not sure this message has ever landed."

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said Raab was careful not to attack the prime minister directly in his newspaper interview.

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The former secretary of Brexit is not one of the Brexite Conservatives who has submitted a letter of censure to Ms. May.

If 48 letters are sent, a vote will be triggered and she may face a challenge from her direction.

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Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, candidate for mayor of the party in London in 2016, revealed that he had sent a letter.

In the Sunday Telegraph, the Brexiteer said that, according to the Prime Minister's plan, "Britain would remain in the European Union, but without having a voice in the chapter".

He added, "If that had been the choice, I would have personally voted to stay."

MEPs will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement in Parliament, after its approval by the EU next Sunday, 25 November.