Tory Minister Slams Boris Johnson's Brexit Stance, Urges Him to Back Windsor Framework

Strategic Insights -

Conservative minister Steve Baker has criticized former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to vote against the revised Brexit terms with the European Union, warning that his stance risks making him look like a "pale imitation" of Nigel Farage. Mr. Baker, who is an ardent Brexiteer, stated that Mr. Johnson's claims about the Withdrawal Agreement and protocol arrangement with the EU have turned out to be inaccurate. The minister also accused Mr. Johnson and his predecessor Liz Truss of being disingenuous in their claims that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill was a necessary measure to alleviate the issues caused by the protocol.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steve Baker, a Conservative minister, has criticized Boris Johnson's decision to vote against the revised Brexit terms with the European Union.
  • Mr. Baker warned that Mr. Johnson's stance risks making him look like a "pale imitation" of Nigel Farage, the former Ukip party leader.
  • The minister stated that Mr. Johnson's claims about the Withdrawal Agreement and protocol arrangement with the EU have turned out to be inaccurate.
  • Boris Johnson told Northern Ireland businesses during the 2019 general election campaign that they could put customs declaration forms "in the bin" because there would be "no barriers of any kind" to trade crossing the Irish Sea.
  • The protocol kept Northern Ireland following EU rules on goods in order to avoid a hard border in Ireland, creating trade barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
  • Steve Baker accused Mr. Johnson and Liz Truss of being disingenuous in their claims that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill was a necessary measure.
  • The minister stated that the Bill would have "wrecked" relations with the EU and "damaged our standing internationally."
  • The UK Government did not expect to be relying on Opposition MPs to win the vote on the Windsor Framework but is likely to receive backing from Labour.

Statistics:

  • Labour is set to back the Windsor Framework in the face of a growing Tory rebellion.
  • The protocol has created trade barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, including increased customs paperwork.

Sources:

  • Patrick Daly, "Byline: Boris Johnson Missold His Northern Ireland Protocol Deal and Risks Becoming a 'Pound Shop Nigel Farage'," [Source not provided, but can be found in multiple online news articles and websites].