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Amber Rudd: It is 'unthinkable' we could walk away from Brussels with no Brexit deal

It is "unthinkable" that the UK could walk away from talks with Brussels without a deal for Brexit being reached, Amber Rudd has said.

The Home Secretary insisted an agreement would be made on the vital issue of security co-operation, stressing that it was in the interests of both the UK and the remaining 27 EU members.

Ms Rudd was a high-profile campaigner for the Remain cause during the Brexit referendum and her comments are likely to cause concern among arch-Eurosceptics on the Tory benches who believe the UK should retain the option of cutting ties with Brussels without any form of deal.

Brexit Secretary David Davis had earlier told MPs that it was vital you "have to have the right to walk away" in a negotiation.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd appeared to contradict Brexit Secretary David Davis (REUTERS)
Home Secretary Amber Rudd appeared to contradict Brexit Secretary David Davis (REUTERS)

Mr Davis, who is leading the UK's negotiations with the EU, accused Brussels of attempting to squeeze more taxpayers' cash out of the Government by using the pressure of time as the clock ticks down to the Brexit date.

"They're using time pressure to see if they can get more money out of us, and bluntly, that's what's going on," he told the Commons.

Asked about the prospect of leaving without an agreement, he said the UK had to be prepared "because it's a negotiation with many people and could go wrong" but also "you always have to have the right to walk away - if you don't, you get a terrible deal".

Downing Street attempted to play down any difference between Ms Rudd and her Cabinet colleague.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "I think if you look at her words in full, she's referring to the fact that a deal is in the best interests of both sides and that's something the Prime Minister absolutely agrees with."