In a joint statement made by UK Chancellor Philip Hammond and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, both pledge that the UK will completely leave the single market and customs union after Brexit and any transition period should not be viewed as a way to keep the UK in the EU via a “back door” mechanism.

During the post-Brexit transition phase, both men believe that the UK will be a third country and therefore not party to EU treaties. Therefore the UK should, in theory be able to negotiate and conclude trade agreements with non-EU countries once it leaves the EU in March 2019 and will not have to wait until any transition period ends. The statement also said that any transition period post Brexit would be “time-limited” and they were keen to avoid a cliff-edge.

Over the past few months, both Mr Hammond and Mr Fox have been seen as being on opposing sides of the Brexit debate. The Chancellor has favoured a gradual departure from the EU while the Trade Secretary has championed a short transition period. This joint statement, along with the planned publication of position papers might help stave off some of the criticism that the UK has faced for failing to be clear on what it wants on Brexit.