Courage of democracy’s defender shone through
THE country saw Boris Johnson at his best yesterday when he stood before braying MPs and refused to abandon his commitment to lead Britain out of the EU on October 31 come what may. The Prime Minister knows that we will suffer a democratic catastrophe if the result of the historic 2016 referendum is not honoured.
He is determined to keep faith with the people of this great country and follow their instructions. Alas, there are many MPs who refuse to accept the result, who believe the winning majority made a mistake, and who want to put the country through the ordeal of a brand-new referendum.
Mr Johnson understands the yearning throughout our nation for the Brexit saga to be brought to an end. Unlike so many of his contemporaries, he knows that a rejection of the 2016 result will shatter trust in Parliament.
Citizens across Britain are routinely appalled by our political class. Expenses scandals, puerile politicking and a neglect of impoverished communities have contributed to disgust and disillusionment. A refusal to take the UK out of the EU on October 31 would be a further foul and wounding insult to voters.
Labour has the ambition of securing a new deal in a matter of months but this is ludicrous. Their plans would result in more turgid delay and potentially the cancellation of Brexit altogether.
Mr Johnson may not have a majority in the Commons but he has no lack of conviction.With courage, passion, humour and eloquence he confronted his critics yesterday and stood up for democracy.
His foes hope that his premiership will be shipwrecked by Brexit but the PM believes something of infinitely greater importance than any single political career is at stake. The bond between electors and the elected has frayed in recent years but he is determined it will not snap on his watch.
He won roaring applause from his colleagues for a barnstorming Commons performance. Just as Mr Johnson has refused to surrender, anyone who cherishes democracy will want parliamentarians of all parties to also commit to deliver a Brexit in which we will all take pride.