THE city’s MP said he was optimistic of getting a “good” Brexit deal for the UK as the government announced plans on how it will cope if it leaves the EU without a deal.

Worcester MP and Brexit Minister Robin Walker said he has always believed in getting the right deal for the UK and dismissed the “Brexit-at-any-cost” approach of his fellow Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Speaking to the Worcester News, Mr Walker also called Chancellor Phillip Hammond “overly-pessimistic” after he published a warning in a letter hours after the government announced its plans for a “no-deal” Brexit.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has set out what he called “practical and proportionate” advice in case the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The guidance included instructions for businesses and advice for pharmaceutical companies to begin stockpiling medicine.

Britons visiting the EU could also face extra credit card charges.

Mr Walker echoed much of what his departmental boss Mr Raab said when announcing the plan and said a deal is the “focus” but there could be short-term economic disruption if no deal was reached.

Mr Walker said: “People like Jacob Rees-Mogg want a Brexit at any cost but I think it is a good idea to get the right deal and I will continue to work towards getting that right deal.

“There will be different views within government and within the party towards the different types of deal.

“Clearly we are working towards a deal and getting the best deal but we also need to make plans in the event that that doesn’t happen.

“We need to explain to people that there will be changes.

“It doesn’t mean that trade will necessarily stop but just that there will be changes to how it was before and it will be different. It is important point to remind people this.

“There are also some good things in there.

“We are not going to be asking people who have established themselves here to leave and there is also the common travel area with Ireland and we won’t be putting restrictions between Great Britain and Ireland.”