Brexit: Theresa May could force ministers to vote for no-deal, Liam Fox says

Leading Brexiteer expects prime minister to impose 'collective decision', rather than allow free vote - at risk of sparking multiple resignations

Government ministers could be ordered to back a no-deal Brexit if Theresa May’s agreement is thrown out next week, Liam Fox says.

The leading Brexiteer said he expected the prime minister to impose a “collective decision” on Tory MPs – after suggestions of a free vote, to avoid mass resignations.

And, asked if that could mean ministers whipped in favour of a no-deal, despite Treasury warnings of huge economic damage, he replied: “Potentially, all things are possible.”

The comment came moments after the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned a crash-out Brexit could tip the UK into a recession spilling out across the global economy.

The government’s own forecast is a near-10 per cent hit to GDP over 15 years, with the poorest areas – the North East and Northern Ireland – suffering the most.

Speaking to a committee of MPs, Dr Fox, the international trade secretary, urged Tories to drop their opposition to the withdrawal agreement, to allow it to pass next Tuesday.

If it is rejected, MPs will vote the following day on whether to rule out a no-deal Brexit and – if that is vetoed – on whether to seek an extension of Article 50, to delay departure beyond 29 March.

Asked how he would vote, given the no-deal option, Dr Fox said: “I will abide by collective responsibility and I am not going to pre-empt discussions we might have in cabinet about that.”

Adding that he expected a “collective decision”, Dr Fox was pressed if that could mean backing for no deal, replying: “Potentially, all things are possible.”

The prime minister is on the horns of a dilemma, facing a walkout if she whips her MPs either for or against crashing out of the EU if the second “meaningful vote” goes down.

Backing for no-deal would almost certainly trigger the resignations of Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, David Gauke, the justice secretary, and Greg Clark, the business secretary – among up to 15 other ministers.

Meanwhile, Dr Fox and other hardliners are insisting the option must be kept on the table, to bolster the UK’s negotiating position in Brussels.

The vote on no-deal is becoming increasingly likely, as Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, struggles to win concession on the flashpoint issue of the Irish backstop.

A European Commission spokesman was downbeat today, saying: “No solution has been identified at this point which is consistent with the withdrawal agreement, including the protocol on Northern Ireland.”

Dr Fox was also quizzed about the revelation that plans to scrap most import tariffs after a no-deal Brexit – threatening huge job losses in UK firms – will be kept secret unless it becomes a reality.

He agreed it would be “beneficial” for government to inform MPs about the implications before they next week - but said it was a matter for the Treasury.

The international trade secretary also insisted NHS would not be at risk in future UK-US trade deal, telling the MPs: “Public service regulation will be exempt from the treaty.”