World

Johnson promises to end Brexit ‘groundhoggery’

The UK cannot afford to “squander” more time deciding whether and how to leave the European Union (EU), Boris Johnson will say in his first major speech of the election.

He will argue that ending the current “groundhoggery” will deliver a big economic boost and enable the UK to focus on other priorities.

But former Tory David Gauke said Mr Johnson’s plan will lead to a “bad outcome for the country”.

Labour said the PM’s deal is flawed and has promised another referendum.

Jeremy Corbyn has said he would negotiate a better deal on the terms of the UK’s exit and give the public the choice of whether to accept it or remain in the EU in a public vote next summer.

Mr Johnson will return to his core “get Brexit done” message on Wednesday after spending much of the past three days dealing with the fallout from the severe flooding in South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

On a visit to the West Midlands, Boris Johnson will say Labour’s plans would only prolong the uncertainty for business and families – likening the past year’s political deadlock over Brexit to the film Groundhog Day, in which a TV weatherman has to relive the same day over and over.

“The UK is admired and respected around the world but people are baffled by our debate on Brexit and they cannot understand how this great country can squander so much time and energy on this question and how we can be so hesitant about our future,” he will say.

“If we can get a working majority, we can get parliament working for you, we can get out of the rut. We can end the groundhoggery of Brexit.

“At this election, the country can either move forwards with policies that will deliver years of growth and prosperity, or it can disappear into an intellectual cul-de-sac of far left Corbynism.”

But former Justice Secretary Mr Gauke warned a majority government led by Mr Johnson would lead to a “very hard Brexit”.

He attacked the policy of the Conservatives to not extend the implementation period for Brexit past December 2020.

The Tories plan to negotiate a free trade agreement with the European Union during that time, but have pledged to leave without one if no deal is reached by the deadline. -BBC

Show More
Back to top button