At the Economists for Free Trade launch where they have supplied this handy guide to dealing with a no-deal Brexit. Glad that’s sorted. 
They’re all here. Mogg, Davis, IDS, Boris Johnson, Baker, Jackson, Bridgen, Bone, Minford...
Jacob Rees-Mogg praises the two “towering” figures of Boris Johnson and David Davis for attending the event and then adds “and of course we also have Steve Baker.”
Jacob Rees-Mogg says the economy may benefit by “even more” than £1.1 trillion from a no-deal Brexit. “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.
Steve Baker says “most economists are bloody useless” apart from those in the room who agree with him who “aren’t bloody useless.”
Patrick Minford asked why he wants a free trade deal if a no-deal Brexit is as advantageous as he says. He replies that it is worth being “good neighbours” and signing an agreement.
Journalist from the FT heckled for suggesting it is unlikely the UK will be able to sign a comprehensive free trade deal by next year.
Panel asked why they’re so reluctant to state their plan to avoid a hard Irish border. Steve Baker: “you should receive an ops note on this soon.”
One journalist tried to ask Boris Johnson a detailed Brexit policy question. He declined to answer.
Slight diversion now as the panel discuss a hypothetical post-Brexit ban on red socks.
Boris Johnson says May’s Chequers plan would be “substantially worse than the status quo.” In other words he’d prefer to stay in the EU.
Boris Johnson asked if he is going to launch a leadership bid. Steve Baker replies on his behalf by saying he’s “not too interested in who the prime minister is.”
Journalist points out there’s only 14 Conservative MPs in the room so they clearly have no real support for their WTO plan. An indignant Steve Baker replies: “The number [willing to support us] is nearly 80.”
Don’t let anyone say they haven’t thought this all through.
