Chancellor Philip Hammond set out his priorities for Brexit on Tuesday, in his first speech since the Conservatives failed to win a majority in June’s general election.
Hammond highlighted the need to put jobs and living standards first as the UK negotiates its exit from the EU, adding that it would require “every ounce of skill and diplomacy” to get the right deal.
His comments come in the wake of allegations that the UK has already bene forced to concede on its schedule for Brexit, with the EU dictating on Monday that the divorce bill would need to be settled before negotiations turn to the future relationship.
Speaking in London, Hammond said he wanted to put the economy at the heart of negotiations, adding that no one voted for Brexit to become poorer.
Hammond’s comments come alongside a speech by Mark Carney warning on the effects of Brexit on the UK economy.
Mark Carney made the direct link between “weaker real income growth” and the process of leaving the European Union, adding that prices are rising and wage growth is falling meaning the average household has less money than before the vote.
