Ministers have made clear that free movement in all but name is still possible after Brexit as it emerged that a new customs plan could take 18 months longer to implement than planned.
Sajid Javid, the home secretary, told MPs yesterday that there would be a “complete, total end to freedom of movement” after Brexit.
In private, however, senior government figures have accepted that the UK will offer work visas to the EU as part of negotiations. “It will be just like any other free trade deal,” said one.
Any concession on the issue will anger Brexiteers.
After her meeting at Chequers the prime minister reiterated her promise to “end free movement and take back control of our borders”, although the document agreed by the