Perpetually outspoken foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has stated that he is disillusioned with the 'constant droning and moaning' regarding the inherent risks of Brexit, suggesting that former Prime Minister, Sir John Major, should 'come off it, sunshine'. Major recently criticised the government's lack of coherent Brexit strategy.
Boris Johnson in a bullish mood
Although the foreign secretary didn't mention the former Prime Minister by name, he made it abundantly clear that Major was one of the targets of his speech at the British Chambers of Commerce.
Johnson said: 'To those that believe that the sky is going to fall, I feel like saying: Come off it, sunshine. Every generation hears its prognostications of doom and gloom, but look at us today. We are living longer than any previous generation, we are healthier than ever before'.
Johnson continued, stating: 'It’s incredibly important for Great Britain that as we set out on this journey we are collectively positive about the outcome the outcome of Brexit. This is the spirit that the government will be taking into talks with Europe. Further, the European Union is ready for positive and constructive talks. The initial shock to Europe has been replaced by a positive mood across Europe'.
Criticism from Sir John Major and George Osborne
On Monday night, Sir John Major angered senior members of the government by criticising the approach that the government has taken to Brexit thus far. Major said: 'In my years of experience, it is better to reach an agreement with a friend than an obstreperous neighbour. The atmosphere in Europe is sour.
Less cheap, plastic rhetoric will benefit the United Kingdom long term'.
Similarly, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, issued a warning to the government, stating that leaving the European Union without a trade deal secured would actively harm the United Kingdom'ss best interests. Osborne said: 'No amount of deals with New Zealand and Australia will compensate for the business lost by leaving the EU to World Trade Organisation tariffs;'.
