Pro-Brexit ministers 'relaxed about leaving EU without trade deal'

Tory tensions as some MPs say they face battle against 'bonkers' Eurosceptics actively promoting WTO terms

Brexiters in the cabinet and other Conservative frontbenchers have privately told colleagues they are relaxed about the prospect of Britain crashing out of the EU on to World Trade Organisation rules, the Guardian understands.

Senior figures within the party have been persuaded by the argument that members of the WTO are less likely to try to punish the UK, while the European Union is looking to exact a political price for Brexit.