Mayor of London Boris Johnson will support Britain’s exit from the European Union. Influential Conservative politicians confirmed ITV’s morning reports with the announcement. In his opinion, the Union threatens British sovereignty and can escape democratic control. According to British media, Johnson’s position will be a significant boost for British supporters leaving the union in the campaign before the June referendum.
“After thirty years of just writing about it, we have an opportunity to do something about it. I want to see a new relationship that is based more on trade and cooperation,” Johnson told reporters gathered outside his London home. According to British media, his stance will be a significant boost for British supporters leaving the union in the pre-referendum campaign.
Cameron, that on Saturday decided to call a plebiscite on June 23, warned supporters of leaving the EU so as not to succumb to the “illusion of independence”. On Saturday, as Cameron announced the outcome of his Brussels negotiations to the government, six British cabinet members joined those in wanting Britain to leave. However, most of the ministers are behind the prime minister.
The struggle for the presidency?
Johnson said he was “heartbroken” by the decision and that it was not a move aimed at the Prime Minister. He said Cameron should be grateful for the work he was doing in negotiating the form of reform of the UK’s relationship with the EU.
“The question is not whether you love Europe or not, I love Brussels, I’ve lived there, it’s a fantastic city, a beautiful place and I love European culture and civilization,” said Johnson, who is not an outspoken Euroskeptic.
British media speculated that his decision, which has been delayed for several days, was out of a need to differentiate himself from Cameron and make himself visible, as he wants to become a future Conservative leader. Johnson himself dismissed the speculation. He also said he had no intention of taking part in a televised debate in which he would challenge members of Cameron’s party who advocate for Britain to remain in the EU.
Eurosceptics welcomes the support
A number of politicians from various camps have commented on Johnson’s decision. While EU Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg described him as part of the Tory feud, UKIP leader Nigel Farage welcomed him, saying he hoped Johnson would throw his full force into the campaign. Cameron himself told Johnson before his evening announcement that he thought it was wrong to join the Farage camp.
“We will be safer as a member of the EU because we will be able to work with partners, we will be strong in numbers in a dangerous world“
Speaking on Andrew Marr’s TV talk show, the Prime Minister said he “slept well” last night and defended again what he agreed to during a long night of talks in Brussels. “We will be stronger in the world, our country will be safer. We will be safer as a member of the EU because we will be able to work with partners, we will be strong in numbers in a dangerous world. Why increase the risk? We don’t need it because we have Negotiate well,” he said.
According to him, Brexit (Britain’s departure from the EU) only gave the UK “an illusion of independence”. “You may feel more independent, but you will be less in control of your destiny”, said the Prime Minister.
Addressing a divided cabinet, he said Saturday’s cabinet meeting was “very civilized and dignified and everyone agreed that the Brussels deal was good”. Asked what he thought about the fact that Justice Minister Michael Gove was also on the Brexit side, Cameron said: “I regret that my close friends are on the opposite side of the argument. We will respect each other’s positions.”
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