Brexit: Government refuses to publish 'secret studies' amid calls for 'safe space' for EU talks

Brexit department publishes a list of 58 different industries where analysis has taken place but full reports will remain confidential

The Government has refused to publish key details from a raft of secret studies into the economic impact of Brexit (PA)

The Government has refused to publish key details from a raft of secret studies into the economic impact of Brexit, as they claim negotiations need to be conducted in a "safe space".

Officials turned down freedom of information requests from Labour MP Seema Malhotra to publish the intensive analyses of how the EU withdrawal will hit 58 different sectors, which critics claim are being hidden out of fear the findings will embarrass the Government.

Brexit campaigners have threatened the Government with legal action over the failure to make the studies public, while more than 120 cross-party MPs signed a letter urging ministers to share the information with Parliament.

Ahead of Brexit Secretary David Davis' appearance before a Lords committee, the Department for Exiting the European Union (DexEU) finally published the list of industries - ranging from aerospace and pharmaceuticals to steel. However the full reports will remain confidential.

“There is a strong public interest in policymaking associated with our exit from the EU being of the highest quality and conducted in a safe space to allow for design and deliberation to be done in private,” DexEu said.

It comes as Mr Davis was set to brief the Cabinet on Tuesday morning on plans for a 'no-deal' Brexit amid efforts to kickstart stalled talks with EU leaders.

Ms Malhotra, who is a member of the Commons Brexit select committee, said the failure to publish the studies was an effort to keep parliament out of the negotiations.

She said: "The government’s reference to needing to conduct Brexit policy-making in a ‘safe place to allow for design and deliberation to be done in private’ seems to be more about keeping parliament and the public in the dark.

"Parliament is not here to give the government a blank cheque on Brexit, but to assist in achieving the best deal for our economy and society."

Green MEP Molly Scott Cato, who has threatened to take ministers to court over the move, said the list raised more questions than answers.

She said: “If the government think that producing a list of sectors will satisfy, they can think again.

"This will do nothing to reassure businesses, public services or the public or help them prepare for life outside the EU.

“Time is running out. Within the next two weeks the government will be dragged in front of the courts if they continue to sit on the results of these studies.”

A Government spokesman said: "The Department for Exiting the European Union, working with officials across government, continues to undertake a wide range of analysis to support progress in the negotiations and ensure we ready for Brexit whatever the outcome.

“This list details the 58 sectors that are used in the analysis and covers the breadth of the UK economy

"Clearly, this analysis is closely tied to our negotiating position and it would undoubtedly be detrimental to our interests in the negotiation to publish it.

"The Government has been clear on this point, and Parliament has voted not to disclose material that could damage the United Kingdom’s position in its negotiations with the EU."