Farage: Italy will be next to quit EU
NIGEL FARAGE believes Italy will be the first country to follow Britain out of the EU after it was “abandoned” at the height of the coronavirus crisis.
He also said that he is “delighted” with Boris Johnson’s tough stand in the latest negotiations with Brussels.
But with a decision on whether to extend the transition period looming, he warned that the Conservatives could still betray Britain.
The Brexit Party leader’s comments come after pro-eu tycoon George Soros said that he is concerned about Italy and the consequences of it leaving an ailing EU.
Mr Soros wants to create “perpetual bonds” to help fund the Eu.they would be paid by taxpayers of member countries, locking them into the institution for ever, even if it is against the democratic will of voters.
There is anger in Italy over the way it was abandoned this year by its Euro partners, who refused to provide medical equipment or economic aid without Italy surrendering government functions to Brussels.
In a Dutch interview, Mr
Soros said: “I am particularly concerned about Italy. Italians trusted Europe more than their own governments but, first, they were badly treated during the refugee crisis of
2015. The EU enforced regulations that put the burden on the countries where refugees first landed and did not offer any financial burden sharing.that is when Italians decided to vote for Matteo Salvini’s Lega and the Five Star Movement in a landslide. “More recently, the relaxation of state aid rules, which favour Germany, has been very unfair to Italy, which was already the sick man of Europe, and then the hardest hit by Covid-19.” Responding, Mr Farage said: “For the first time in my life I am in agreement with George Soros. “Italy has suffered horrendously since it joined the wrong currency and when the Covid-19 crisis came, the EU did not offer a hand of friendship.” He said that Italy’s problems underline why Britain needs to finish the job and end transition on December 31.
Remainers and the EU are pushing for the Government to extend transition, which would mean Britain would still have to obey EU rules and pay more money to Brussels.
But Britain’s chief negotiator David Frost and cabinet office minister Michael Gove have insisted there will be no extension.
Mr Frost has also written to Mr Barnier, the EU’S chief negotiator, to lay out Britain’s conditions for a deal.
They include not allowing access to our fishing waters or being subject to EU laws.
Mr Farage said: “I am absolutely delighted with David Frost’s letter. It is exactly the right tone.
“But I have been let down by the Conservatives over Europe before so we shall see what happens.”