Boris Johnson’s campaign team launched a ferocious attack on Jeremy Hunt today, saying he presented a risk of “slip-sliding” from Brexit and into a second referendum.
The charge, spearheaded by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, was designed to open up the dividing line between the rivals surrounding an October 31 deadline for leaving the European Union
“No deadline risks no Brexit and slip-sliding towards a second referendum,” said Mr Hancock on Radio 4’s Today programme. Mr Hunt has declined to give an absolute deadline for leaving the EU; Mr Johnson has pledged to quit the bloc “come what may” by Halloween.
The Foreign Secretary used a speech in London today to unveil detailed plans for a possible no-deal Brexit. They included a Cobra-style committee to “turbo-charge” Whitehall preparations for a transition to World Trade Organisation tariffs being imposed on imports and exports. Some £6 billion would go on a No Deal Relief Programme, including compensation for farmers and fishermen exporting to Europe.
“If we could do it for the bankers in the financial crisis, we can do it for our fishermen, farmers and small businesses now,” Mr Hunt said in his speech to Policy Exchange.
Mr Hancock said the plans would convince no one unless there was also a hard deadline.
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, who is supporting Mr Hunt, today conceded that Scottish independence and a push for Irish reunification are “real threats” of a no-deal Brexit.
Mr Johnson was backed by his Remain-supporting brother, Jo Johnson, during a campaign stop in Orpington this morning. He said: “It’s always special to have Jo’s support. It’s fantastic we are on the same wavelength on the leadership!”
Academics today said there was a chance that the new Tory leader will not become prime minister. UCL Professors Meg Russell and Robert Hazell said the winner would only be made PM if he could “command the confidence of Parliament” by winning a vote.
“If there are serious doubts, the Queen may need to ask Theresa May to remain in office while Parliament determines who is best placed to command confidence,” said Prof Hazell.
