“For a start that means properly preparing for no deal, it’s clear those in the centre had no intention of
preparing for no deal.”
No 10 declined to comment on the new approach, but it is believed to be endorsed by Downing Street and
Dominic Cummings, the controversial chief aide.
Last autumn, Mr Javid said of ending free movement immediately: “We’ve just got to be practical.
“If there was a no deal, we won’t be able to immediately distinguish between those Europeans that were
already here before 29 March [the then-exit date], and those who came after. There will need to be some
kind of sensible transition period.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The home secretary has been clear in her intention to take back control
of our borders and end free movement after 31 October.
“Ending free movement means we are no longer required to give unlimited and uncontrolled access to
those from EU countries when they are coming here seeking to work.”