Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Theresa May in new clash with Bank of England Governor Mark Carney over Brexit uncertainty

Joe Watts
Political Editor
Wednesday 30 November 2016 18:05 GMT
Comments
Prime Minister Theresa May
Prime Minister Theresa May (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hostilities between Theresa May and Mark Carney have reignited after Downing Street rejected the Bank of England Governor’s call for greater "clarity" over the UK’s approach to Brexit.

Number 10 dismissed Mr Carney’s call on Wednesday to give Britain’s businesses greater certainty on Ms May’s negotiating position, as akin to "showing all the cards at the outset" of Brexit talks.

Downing Street has already fallen out with Mr Carney over the effectiveness of monetary policy, while it was recently claimed the Bank chief is working on a ‘secret plan’ for a transitional deal which would see Britain stay in the EU’s single market until 2021, contrary to the goals of many Brexiteers.

After hearing about Mr Carney’s comments, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "What matters most for British business is that we get the best possible outcome in negotiations as we leave the European Union."

They spokesperson added: "That doesn’t mean showing all the cards at the outset."

Asked about relations between No 10 and the Governor, the spokesperson said they were "as good as they have ever been".

Mr Carney said earlier in the day that it would be preferable for business to know as much as possible about the "desired endpoint" of Ms May’s plans. He added: "Having a degree of clarity, when appropriate, will help promote a smooth and orderly transition."

It follows reports that the Governor has held private meetings and dinners in the past two weeks, appealing to business leaders to focus on a common goal for Britain’s EU exit.

His reported plan, dubbed the "Brexit buffer", would mean companies operating under the current trading rules, almost certainly including freedom of movement for EU citizens, until 2021 when they have properly prepared for a transition.

Mr Carney set himself on a collision course with Ms May after rebuffing economic claims made in her keynote Conservative conference speech.

He argued that the monetary policy pursued by the Bank in recent years has had a positive impact that is "without parallel", despite the Prime Minister using her speech to claim it had led to "bad side effects".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in