HAMMOND ACCUSED BORIS, Of Listening To Saboteurs!

PHILIP HAMMOND ACCUSES BORIS JOHNSON OF BETRAYAL OVER A NO-DEAL REFERENDUM RESULT

Former Chancellor Philip Hammond accused Boris Johnson of listening to unelected saboteurs over a no-deal Brexit scenario, saying that the new British Prime minister should take the UK out of the European Union precisely with a deal in place, noting that the early signs “are not encouraging”.

Hammond noted that the demand to get rid of backstop had become a “wrecking” stance in getting a deal, however, the former Chancellor wrote in The Times, adding that “The unelected people who pull the strings of this government know that this is a demand, the European Union cannot and will not accede to”.

Mr. Hammond made it clear that his political approach is different from Boris Johnson’s style while answering questions on ITV, and also said:

“Boris is not the only person who has put forward a so–called proposal for our future relationship with the EU based on free trade agreement which the EU have been absolutely crystal clear they would never agree with us, the only free trade agreement that is an offer is one that excludes northern Ireland and breaks up the UK and I am clear, that is not an offer that any British Prime minister could ever accept, our United Kingdom is the most important thing”.

In another scenario, Mr. Hammond said he was busting two “great myths” over a no-deal scenario – that it will damage the nation, economy and the union, adding that voters never back such move. Also from his mail, that:

“Most people in this country want to see us leave in a smooth and orderly fashion that will not disrupt lives, cost jobs or diminish living standards, whether they voted Leave or Remain in 2016”. While reacting to a no-deal situation added,

“Parliament faithfully reflects the view of that majority and it will make its voice heard. No-deal would be a betrayal of the 2016 referendum result. It must not happen”.  This statement meant the reason why Mr. Hammond accused Boris Johnson of betrayal.

Also, Philip Hammond accused “some key figures in the government” of “absurdly” suggesting no-deal would boost the United Kingdom’s economy. While on the other hand, Mr. Hammond and twenty (20) other senior Tories, wrote to the Prime minister on the demand to abolish the backstop “set the bar so high that there is no realistic probability of a deal being done”.

Meanwhile, it is understood why Mr. Hammond accused Boris Johnson of kicking against 2016 referendum, though there is accusation over Philip Hammond intent of doing anything he could to prevent UK exit irrespective of negotiation.

• Why would Hammond accuse Boris Johnson of ‘Betrayal’?