LONDON (Reuters) – The chances of Britain leaving the European Union without a deal at the end of October are underpriced, Britain’s Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Wednesday.
Asked about the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, Barclay pointed to the fact that parliament is only due to sit for a relatively short period of time in September and October and that legislation required to pass a deal would be significant.
“I think a no deal is underpriced. It is still this government’s intention and both leadership candidates’ intention to seek a deal and I think it is the will of many members of parliament for there to be a deal,” he told a committee of lawmakers.
“But the question then will be is there a deal that is palatable to parliament and if not will parliament vote to revoke or will we leave with no deal?”
(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, editing by Elizabeth Piper)