David Cameron savages Boris Johnson

[BrilloPad]

David Cameron savages Boris Johnson in astonishing Commons speech accusing him of backing Brexit in bid for Tory leadership

Can't they settle this via pistols at dawn?

[jamesbrown]

David Cameron savages Boris Johnson in astonishing Commons speech accusing him of backing Brexit in bid for Tory leadership

Can't they settle this via pistols at dawn?

Yep, it was pretty pointed, basically accusing him of putting his own interests first (a fair criticism). The follow-up question from Boris was pretty weak and he looked deeply uncomfortable. Still, I'm glad he's supporting Brexit.

[LondonManc]

David Cameron savages Boris Johnson in astonishing Commons speech accusing him of backing Brexit in bid for Tory leadership

Can't they settle this via pistols at dawn?

Rather than for the gains of his corporate chums? How dare he. How very dare he.

[mudskipper]

All most unseemly.

[OwlHoot]

Yep, it was pretty pointed, basically accusing him of putting his own interests first (a fair criticism).

Is it a fair criticism?

If Johnson was putting his own interests first, wouldn't his safer option regardless of the likely outcome be to acquiesce with the other conformist cowards and join Cameron?

[jamesbrown]

Is it a fair criticism?

If Johnson was putting his own interests first, wouldn't his safer option regardless of the likely outcome be to acquiesce with the other conformist cowards and join Cameron?

My thinking is that this negotiation, by Boris' own admission, was pathetically inconsequential, and that the demands have been known for some time. Since Boris hasn't previously (ever, AFAIK) stated a desire to leave the EU, only to reform the EU, the process by which he announced his position smacks desperately of political positioning. Unfortunately, he would've been accused of that either way, because he left it too late, but he could've announced his position much sooner, with less fanfare, and much less "veering all over the place like a supermarket shopping trolley"; in short, more like Gove. I don't doubt there's an element of principal in what he's done, but there's a healthy dose of politik too, and I suspect he'll pay a heavy price for that in the long-term, because it calls into question his judgement as well as his motivations.

[OwlHoot]

My thinking is that this negotiation, by Boris' own admission, was pathetically inconsequential, and that the demands have been known for some time. Since Boris hasn't previously (ever, AFAIK) stated a desire to leave the EU, only to reform the EU, the process by which he announced his position smacks desperately of political positioning. Unfortunately, he would've been accused of that either way, because he left it too late, but he could've announced his position much sooner, with less fanfare, and much less "veering all over the place like a supermarket shopping trolley"; in short, more like Gove. I don't doubt there's an element of principal in what he's done, but there's a healthy dose of politik too, and I suspect he'll pay a heavy price for that in the long-term, because it calls into question his judgement as well as his motivations.

OTOH, one could argue that he had given Cameron and/or the EU a fair chance to agree something substantial, the kind of things Cameron was previously boasting he could and would achieve.

So now Cameron has achieved essentially nothing, it perfectly reasonable and consistent for Johnson, not having prejudged the outcome, now to conclude dispassionately that we're better off out.

He may also be thinking of something that several people have commented on here and elsewhere, namely that a majority vote to leave would give the UK more leverage in obtaining genuine concessions and firmer commitments.

[darmstadt]

He may also be thinking of something that several people have commented on here and elsewhere, namely that a majority vote to leave would give the UK more leverage in obtaining genuine concessions and firmer commitments.

Sorry, can't see that happening. Article 50 will be put in place and there will be no more negotiations, just think, you do it for one, you're going to have to do it for all. As it is Britain is already the EU's most semi-detached member, having opted out of joining the euro single currency, the Schengen zone of passport-free travel and many areas of police and judicial cooperation.

[barrydidit]

He may also be thinking of something that several people have commented on here and elsewhere, namely that a majority vote to leave would give the UK more leverage in obtaining genuine concessions and firmer commitments.

Given that Cameron's opening position was 'i'd like to stay, but lets go and see what they'll give us' then Boris has, at least, grasped the first principal of negotiation. Namely that the other side have to believe there's an element of jeopardy.

[AtW]

EU has had enough of Britain constantly causing obstructions, they'd be better off without UK being in the same block.