Boris Johnson has been at it again, using intemperate language to make a point. His words, as reported in an article in the 'Mail on Sunday', have been directed at the government's approach towards Brexit negotiations and, frankly, make sense. However, his intervention has not been welcomed by some in his party, nor by others who simply don't like him or agree with him.
As one of the most prominent 'Brexiteers', Johnson is ramping up the pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May, her 'Chequer's Deal' and 'backstop agreement'. That both the backstop and Chequer's deal have given the European Union a massive advantage in negotiations seems obvious, though the government continues to deny this. Johnson, no longer in the government nor bound by collective responsibility, is free to tell it as it is. About time.
Some are reporting the story with the caution that Johnson's views have been condemned by 'senior Tories', but this appears to be somewhat disingenuous. The BBC and Guardian, both left wing and both Europhile, name some of these 'senior Tories' and, surprise, surprise, the names mostly belong to members of the government who are Europhile in inclination. Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Housing, James Brokenshire, Alan Duncan and Alistair Burt, both ministers at the Foreign Office - none of these could support Johnson, even if they wanted to, without losing their jobs.
More significant than the reaction of left wing, Europhile media and government flunkies will be the comments of backbench Conservative MPs and others who favour a tougher approach to Brexit. If they rise up in sufficient numbers and with sufficient force, Theresa May's days as Prime Minister may be numbered; if not, Johnson could find himself side lined and Brexit will be, as feared by Lord King, 'in name only'.
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