Free movement of people should not be negotiated, says Liam Fox

The free movement of people should not be part of Brexit negotiations about a trade deal with the European Union, according to a candidate for prime minster on Monday.

Liam Fox said: "It is quite clear that the public rejected the concept of free movement, and that the price of including such free movement as part of a trade deal would be regarded as a betrayal by the British people."

The MP for North Somerset said that Article 50, Britain’s two-year formal exit from the EU, should be triggered by the end of the year to exit the EU by 1 January 2019.

"We cannot lose momentum and risk the derailing of the British people's decision by stealth. We need to recognize that we are likely to be frustrated by the ideological rigidity of the [European Union] Commission."

The former defence secretary resigned amidst scandal from the then coalition government in October 2011. He quit over the working relationship with his ‘adviser’ Adam Werrity for allegedly breaking the ministerial code. Werrity, a lobbyist, had met Fox on 18 trips abroad despite not having an official role.

Fox, who was a vocal Eurosceptic and Leave campaigner in the EU referendum, announced he was to stand as prime minister and leader of the conservative party on 29 June. He is up against home secretary Theresa May, justice secretary Michael Gove, work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb and energy minister Andrea Leadsom.

The candidates are canvassing for support from MPs to make the ballot ahead of first round voting on Tuesday. The candidates will be whittled down to two and then grassroots members will vote. The new prime minster will be announced on 9 September.

Andrea Leadsom said as she launched her campaign on Monday, "Freedom of movement will end, and the British parliament will decide how many people enter our country each year to live, work and contribute to our national life."

Foreign secretary Phillip Hammond, who was part of the Remain campaign, said in an article in the Telegraph on Monday endorsing Theresa May, that there must be a "trade off" between free movement of EU migrants and access to the single market.

Michael Gove, who led the Leave campaign said on Friday: “I will end free movement, introduce an Australian-style points-based system for immigration, and bring numbers down. With my leadership, it will be delivered”.