The chancellor has angered Eurosceptic ministers by calling for a delay on migration curbs that would lead to a hard Brexit and dismay business.
Philip Hammond suggested that members of the Brexit cabinet committee should continue examining options after Amber Rudd, the home secretary, put forward plans for a visa-entry scheme for skilled migrants. Her plan would close the door to low-skilled migrants from the EU.
Mr Hammond made the intervention at a meeting last Wednesday of the Brexit cabinet sub-committee. The meeting discussed the Home Office’s suggestions, alongside examining the consequences of Britain failing to strike a trade deal with the EU and relying on World Trade Organisation rules.
The chancellor’s move irritated leading Brexit supporters, even though other cabinet ministers, including Ms Rudd,
