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'Soft Brexit?': Theresa May to Discuss EU Divorce with Full Cabinet

© REUTERS / Tolga Akmen/File PhotoUnion Flags and European Union flags fly near the Elizabeth Tower, housing the Big Ben bell, during the anti-Brexit 'People's March for Europe', in Parliament Square in central London, Britain September 9, 2017
Union Flags and European Union flags fly near the Elizabeth Tower, housing the Big Ben bell, during the anti-Brexit 'People's March for Europe', in Parliament Square in central London, Britain September 9, 2017 - Sputnik International
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Buoyed by an EU green light for a second stage of Brexit talks, British Prime Minister Theresa May is now facing calls from a number of Tory backbenchers to form a cross-party alliance with Labour MPs to push for a soft exit from the EU.

In a clear sign of waning public support for a tough Brexit, the rebel MPs want May to face down hardline Brexiteers during a full meeting of her divided Cabinet on Tuesday.

They believe this would embolden the prime minister to argue for a close future relationship with Brussels.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May meets Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at 10 Downing Street, London, December 5, 2017. - Sputnik International
'We Will Not Be Derailed': Theresa May's Firm Course For 'Successful' Brexit
Simultaneously, a group of prominent Labour MPs hope to convince the majority of their fellow Labourites in parliament to vote for the country to have continued membership in the EU single market and customs union.

During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, and the environment secretary, Michael Gove, are expected to insist that Britain retain the right to set its own regulations rather than mirror those of the EU.

“What we need to do is something new and ambitious, which allows zero tariffs and frictionless trade but still gives us that important freedom to decide our own regulatory framework, our own laws and do things in a distinctive way in the future,” Johnson told the Sunday Times.

The Brexit secretary, David Davis, for his part, is holding out for a deal that would replicate the one currently existing between the EU and Canada, but which would also include financial and other services and ensure closer trade ties.

READ MORE: Brexit: Theresa May to Meet EU Leaders Following Staggering Parliamentary Defeat

On Friday, the EU leaders agreed “to move on to the second phase" in Brexit talks after “sufficient progress” had been made on the first phase of the talks to allow negotiations to start on a transition deal and a final trade agreement.

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