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George Osborne: UK Brexit plans do not prioritise the economy | George Osborne: UK Brexit plans do not prioritise the economy |
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George Osborne, the former Conservative chancellor, says the government has chosen not to prioritise the economy as it leaves the European Union, and faces a “bitter” divorce from the other 27 member states. | |
Speaking shortly after MPs began debating the government’s article 50 bill for a second day, the MP for Tatton, who was sacked by Theresa May in July, said he would not vote against the bill, because ignoring the result of the referendum could provoke “a deep constitutional crisis”. | |
But, he said, by deciding to put immigration control and escaping the jurisdiction of the European court of justice at the top of its agenda, “the government has chosen – and I respect this decision – not to make the economy the priority”. | |
Theresa May had earlier announced during prime minister’s questions that she would publish a white paper on the government’s negotiating plans on Thursday. Tabling a formal paper was a key demand of Conservative rebels, who are now expected to vote with the government. | Theresa May had earlier announced during prime minister’s questions that she would publish a white paper on the government’s negotiating plans on Thursday. Tabling a formal paper was a key demand of Conservative rebels, who are now expected to vote with the government. |
Osborne was a key figure in the remain campaign, and put the economic costs of Brexit at the centre of an ultimately unsuccessful effort to convince the British public that leaving the EU was not worth the risk. | Osborne was a key figure in the remain campaign, and put the economic costs of Brexit at the centre of an ultimately unsuccessful effort to convince the British public that leaving the EU was not worth the risk. |
Having spoken to a series of German and French politicians and officials in recent weeks, Osborne said he had concluded that “they are not interested in a long and complex hybrid agreement with the UK”, and “the negotiations will be a trade-off, as all divorces are, between access and money”. | |
Having previously negotiated with Michel Barnier, previously the EU’s financial services commissioner and now Brussels’ Brexit negotiator, Osborne advised the Brexit secretary, David Davis, to expect all-night talks. | Having previously negotiated with Michel Barnier, previously the EU’s financial services commissioner and now Brussels’ Brexit negotiator, Osborne advised the Brexit secretary, David Davis, to expect all-night talks. |
He stressed that the only question on the ballot paper in last year’s referendum had been whether to leave the EU, and a series of other questions, which divide both remainers and Brexiters, and cut across political party lines, had been left unresolved. | He stressed that the only question on the ballot paper in last year’s referendum had been whether to leave the EU, and a series of other questions, which divide both remainers and Brexiters, and cut across political party lines, had been left unresolved. |
He said tough battles would be fought in the House of Commons in the years ahead over free trade; immigration; agricultural protectionism; and whether to bail out failing firms. And he signalled that he had no intention of abandoning the political frontline, saying: “I will be in those fights.” | He said tough battles would be fought in the House of Commons in the years ahead over free trade; immigration; agricultural protectionism; and whether to bail out failing firms. And he signalled that he had no intention of abandoning the political frontline, saying: “I will be in those fights.” |
Osborne’s was one of a series of powerful speeches, as MPs set out whether they would be backing the second reading of the bill, with a vote due at 7pm on Wednesday. | |
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband said he would also back the bill, because he feared that rejecting it would only fuel public distrust in politics. | Former Labour leader Ed Miliband said he would also back the bill, because he feared that rejecting it would only fuel public distrust in politics. |