Brexit crisis: Boris Johnson resigns warning Britain risks becoming a colony

One of Britain’s most colourful politicians, Boris Johnson, has resigned as foreign secretary amidst an extraordinary attack on the Brexit plans of Theresa May.

One of Britain’s most colourful politicians, Boris Johnson has resigned as foreign secretary amidst an extraordinary attack on the Brexit plans of Prime Minister Theresa May, claiming it is a “semi Brexit’’ which could send Britain to “the status of a colony’’.

Mr Johnson has warned that Mrs May’s plans for Brexit would make it more difficult for the country to do free trade deals, a situation highlighted by the US ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, who said a US-UK bilateral agreement — whether there is one or not “is totally up in the air at this point’’.

Australia is hoping to be one of the first countries to negotiate a post-Brexit free trade deal with the UK, but any EU regulation or influence will create difficulties.

Mr Johnson’s resignation was leaked by 10 Downing Street — an extraordinary development — just hours after the Brexit secretary David Davis also quit, saying he was unable to sell Mrs May’s soft Brexit version.

Mrs May’s office has insisted the prime minister will fight any attempt to oust her if the required number of 48 Conservative MPs called for a leadership contest.

The crisis enveloping the Tory party, as well as the future direction of the country, was highlighted in Mr Johnson’s letter where he tells Mrs May that the opportunity and hope and chance to do things different is “dying, suffocated by needless self doubt”.

He says crucial decisions have been postponed, including preparations for a “no deal” scenario.

“…the result that we appear to be heading for a semi-Brexit, with large parts of the economy still locked in the EU system, but with no UK control over that system,” he wrote. He said he practised the words to the song about Brexit over the weekend but “find that they stick in the throat”.

I am proud to have served as Foreign Secretary. It is with sadness that I step down: here is my letter explaining why. pic.twitter.com/NZXzUZCjdF

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 9, 2018

Of particular concern to Mr Johnson was the situation where Britain had to wait for the EU to pass laws. “I don’t see how that country can truly be called independent,’’ he said.

“We are now in the ludicrous position of asserting that we must accept huge amounts of precisely such (burdensome) EU law, without changing an iota, because it is essential for our economic health — and when we no longer have any ability to influence these laws as they are made.’’

‘’In that respect we are truly headed for the status of colony — and many will struggle to see the economic or political advantages of that particular arrangement.’’

Mr Johnson added that it was disturbing that this was Britain’s opening bid to the EU.

“It is also clear that by surrendering control over our rulebook for goods and agrifoods (and much else besides) we will make it much more difficult to do free trade deals. And then there is the further impediment of having to argue for an impractical and undeliverable customs arrangement unlike any other in existence.’’

Number 10 Downing Street released this letter from Theresa May to Boris Johnson.

Mr Johnson said Mrs May’s Brexit position was “as though we are sending our vanguard into battle with the white flags fluttering above them.’’

Mrs May published an icy response to Mr Johnson’s resignation letter saying she was “sorry, if a little surprised’’ at his departure. But she told him “it is right you should step down’’ if he couldn’t provide support to secure the deal for the UK.

The former health minister and one of Ms May’s staunchest allies, Jeremy Hunt, has been named as foreign secretary, replacing Boris Johnson. Mr Hunt has been in charge of the controversial health portfolio for seven years, during which doctors went on strike, for the first time in 40 years. But Hunt, a self-made millionaire who speaks several languages, has been one of the few MP’s to have switched sides during the bitter Brexit developments. Initially he was a Remainer, but said he was know supporting Brexit because of the arrogance of the EU’s approach to the Brexit negotiations.

Mr Johnson’s former parliamentary private secretary, Conor Burns, also followed him out the door.

Labour MP David Tammy has taken offence at Mr Johnson’s use of the word “colonial’’ to describe Britain. Mr Lammy said: “After mocking those in the Commonwealth as ‘picanninies’ with ‘watermelon smiles,’ Johnson’s use of ‘colonial status’ as a political football is atrocious even for him. Good riddance to the worst Foreign Secretary of modern times.’’