Sputnik
March 1, 2018
The former Conservative prime minister called on the UK Government to put the country’s interests above the “will of the people” and weaken its stance in the Brexit negotiations with the European Union.
Speaking before representatives of creative industries in London this Wednesday, former Prime Minister John Major unloaded on the supporters of Brexit, urging Theresa May to offer a free vote to Conservative MPs on the final deal with the EU.
Major proclaimed that he is “neither a Europhile nor a Eurosceptic,” pointing to numerous clashes that his Conservative Government (1990-1997) had with Brussels.
“As Prime Minister, I said “No” to federal integration, “No” to the Euro Currency, and “No” to Schengen — which introduced free movement of people within the European Union but without proper control of external borders,” he said.
At the same time, the former Conservative leader argued that he is “a realist,” who is committed to ensuring the prosperity and stability of the UK, while claiming that Brexit, particularly the exit from the European single market, will “inflict economic self-harm on the British people”.Speaking about the fact that Brexit was a result of the nation-wide referendum, where the British electorate expressed its preference for leaving the EU, Major said that it is up to the politicians to ensure the “well-being of the people”.
“Of course, the ‘will of the people’ can’t be ignored, but Parliament has a duty also to consider the “wellbeing of the people,” he proclaimed.
“No-one voted for higher prices and poorer public services, but that is what they may get.”
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Controversially, Major also expressed skepticism whether Brexit was in fact the decision of the British voters, pointing out that the “will of the people… was supported…