First meeting of ‘no ifs, no buts’ crew

BORIS Johnson has com menced h is fi rst C a b i n et me et i n g s i n c e becoming prime minister and launching a brutal cull of his predecessor’s team to deliver his “no ifs, no buts” Brex it by the Halloween deadline.

Arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg and Vote Leave veterans Priti Patel and Dominic Raab joined discussions at the top table in Downing Street this morning.

Mr Johnson was flanked by chancellor Sajid Javid on his left and cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill to his right. The new Conservative leader told the room it was “wonderful to see this new team assembled here” which respects the “depth and breadth of talent in our extraordinary party”.

“As you all know we have a momentous task ahead of us, at a pivotal moment in our country’s history,” he added. “We are now committed, all of us, to leaving the European Union on October 31 or indeed earlier – no ifs, no buts.

“But we are not going to wait until October 31 to get on with a fantastic new agenda for our country, and that means delivering the priorities of the people.”

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon has written to the new prime minister saying it is now “essential” Scotland has an alternative option to his Brexit plan.

The first minister said: “You will be aware that people in Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union. Subsequent Scottish Government analysis shows that a no-deal outcome could cost 100,000 Scottish jobs.

“Even a free trade agreement could see a fall in Scottish national income of around £1,600 per person compared with continuing EU membership.

“I urge you to study this analysis closely so you understand the implications for Scotland of the policy you are pursuing on Brexit.”

Boris Johnson addresses his new Cabinet.