Boris Johnson and David Cameron brand Theresa May's Brexit plan 'worst of all worlds'
3 min read
Boris Johnson and David Cameron have branded Theresa May's latest plan to break the Cabinet deadlock on Brexit as "the worst of all worlds", it has been claimed.
The pair, who were on opposite sides of the EU referendum, held talks in London on Thursday - the night before a crunch meeting of the Prime Minister's top team at Chequers.
They also agreed that as "the father of Brexit", Mr Cameron should do more to talk up the opportunities that leaving the EU presents.
Details of the meeting emerged just as the marathon Chequers summit - which is scheduled to last until 10.30pm - was getting underway.
Mrs May's compromise plan would effectively keep Britain in the single market for goods, but not for services.
Her proposal would also see "harmonisation" of regulations between Britain and the EU in an attempt to maintain an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - but potentially scuppering the chances of a free trade deal between the UK and America.
Speculation is mounting that a number of Brexit-backing Cabinet ministers - including Mr Johnson - could resign in protest.
A senior government source denied suggestions that, during their talks, former Tory leader Mr Cameron persuaded the Foreign Secretary that the Prime Minister's plan was the only one which could possibly win the support of Parliament.
"They both agreed that the current plans are the worst of all worlds," the source said. "Cameron was trying to nudge Boris into blowing the deal, but he kept his powder dry and didn't say what he was going to do."
On the former Prime Minister being "the father of Brexit", the source said: "He has given this great nation this wonderful opportunity to be a free, global nation and it's time he should take that opportunity somewhat (to speak out) and he agreed."
A separate government source dared rebel ministers to quit but warned them that they would need to take a taxi home from Chequers as they would no longer be entitled to a government car.
In extraordinary remarks, they told Politico: "Collective responsibility will be asserted at the end of the day. A select number of ego-driven, leadership-dominated Cabinet ministers need to support the PM in the best interests of the U.K. — or their spots will be taken by a talented new generation of MPs who will sweep them away.
"Taxi cards for Aston’s taxis, the local cab firm, are in the foyer for those who decide they can’t face making the right decision for the country. It is a cold world outside government."
A source close to Mr Cameron said he and Mr Johnson had met for a "longstanding catch-up" and their discussion included China and Syria as well as Brexit.
But his former chief spin doctor, Craig Oliver, denied the version of events being briefed by other Whitehall insiders.
Meanwhile, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier has offered an olive branch to Mrs May, raising the prospects of a Brexit deal.
He said: "The single market is our main economic public good. We are ready to adapt our offer should the UK'S red lines change. My objective has always been to find an agreement with the UK, not against the UK."
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