[…]he knows well that the whole community favoured remaining in EASA. He is, I think, forced into it by various negotiating positions, not least that of the EC.[…]
On at least 2 occasions (Vienna EASA meeting and Duxford Safety Day) Shapps told me that "There was no reason why the UK should not be a non-EU EASA Member State".
But like junior transport minister Robert the Robot Courts, Shapp is really only concerned about his own career and will dance to the ERG tune. Which is why I will never trust Tory politicians ever again…...