Theresa May's new Brexit minister claimed ‘no deal’ would be ‘great’ for UK

Suella Fernandes is chair of prominent pro-Brexit Conservative group the European Research Group

In the future, Brexit 'will be seen as the best thing that has happened to our country' says Suella Fernandes (ITV/REX)

Theresa May has promoted a staunch eurosceptic MP to the Government’s Brexit Department who previously said leaving the European Union with no deal would be “great” for Britain.

In July last year, shortly after becoming the chair of the European Research Group, Suella Fernandes said she believed getting trade deals with Europe would be “eminently possible”, but that the UK could prosper even if no deal is reached – an eventuality economists have suggested would be a disaster for the country.

Speaking to Conservative Home, she said: “In the event of ‘no deal’ that’s great as well for us. The ideal is a free trade agreement but in the event of that not working, ‘no deal’ is something we will capitalise on using our strengths and the opportunities that brings.”

She has previously said that in 15 years’ time, Brexit “will be seen as the best thing that has happened to our country”.

Ms Fernandes, who became MP for Fareham at the 2015 general election, has been made a junior Brexit minister.

The MP is also chairman of the influential European Research Group, a pro-Brexit group of around 60 Tory MPs, which has put pressure on Ms May’s administration not to soften its stance in negotiations with Brussels.

Ms Fernandes will join Brexit Secretary David Davis’s team along with two other junior ministers who will be invited to brief the Cabinet on Brexit “implementation” plans, including preparations for leaving the EU with a trade deal or without a deal.

But despite Ms Fernandes’ appointment, Conservative MPs are believed to be angry with the Prime Minister after she reportedly rowed back on plans to put a dedicated “no deal” minister into the Cabinet at the last minute, during her reshuffle on Monday.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that “no deal is better than a bad deal”.

But the European Commission has also warned the UK there will be serious consequences for a broad range of industries in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

A no-deal scenario would affect drug legislation and pharmaceutical supply chains; aviation companies, which must have their headquarters in EU countries to fly passengers and luggage around Europe; haulage companies which must obtain trade certifications from an EU member state; the fishing industry, which will lose licenses to operate; and there is considerable legislation for the agriculture, food and drink industries to wade through, in order to continue trading legally.

A spokesman for the Brexit department said: "Suella Fernandes has an excellent track record both as a barrister and as an MP, and brings with her a thorough understanding of both the European Union and the Brexit negotiations.

“She is joining a team that is committed to securing a smooth transition out of the EU, which maximises the opportunities this will bring while ensuring the country regains control of its laws, money, borders and trade.

"The Minister has made it clear that a future partnership is in the interests of both sides, so we approach these negotiations anticipating success.

"But while we do not want or expect a no-deal, it is right that we prepare for all potential outcomes."