Sir John Major has given an exclusive interview to The Independent editor-in-chief Geordie Greig. In a wide-ranging conversation marking the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, he talked about the impact of Brexit and Britain’s future relationship with Europe; the UK’s past, present and future Prime Ministers and the state of politics today.
The former Conservative prime minister:
- Claimed Brexit had cost the UK £100billion per year in trade and £40billion per year in tax
- Called for a the UK to rejoin the single market within the next five years and said young people would lead the drive to rejoin the EU
- Criticised Nigel Farage for a lack of transparency over his £5million donation and slammed Reform for their negative politics
- Praised Kemi Badenoch for her leadership of the Conservative Party and predicted she would grow into ‘an absolutely excellent leader’
- Expressed concern that prime minister in waiting Andy Burnham was not ready for politics on the world stage.
Sir John was speaking to The Independent as part of our Europe: The Way Back campaign – launched to explore ways to rebuild Britain’s future relationship with Europe.
Watch the full 40-minute interview on this page and read the full news report here.
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