Jezza lays into Boris for telling EU ‘go whistle’

JEREMY Corbyn has accused Boris Johnson of arrogance after the Foreign Secretary said the European Union could “go whistle” if they make “extortionate” demands over Brexit.

Mr Johnson was responding in the House of Commons to questions over the proposed “divorce bill” which the UK is expected to receive next week as Brexit negotiations resume in Brussels.

The European Commission has suggested that the bill could be around £50bn, while unconfirmed reports have claimed it could reach almost twice that figure.

In the Commons, Tory Philip Hollobone said the UK had made a net contribution of £209bn to the EU since joining in 1973, adding: “Will you make it clear to the EU that if they want a penny piece more then they can go whistle?”

Mr Johnson replied: “He makes a very valid point and I think that the sums that I have seen that they propose to demand from this country seem to me to be extortionate and I think ‘to go whistle’ is an entirely appropriate expression.”

Speaking outside the Commons chamber, Mr Corbyn said: “I think it is ridiculous for the Foreign Secretary to approach important negotiations with that silly, arrogant language he so often employs.

“Treat people with respect and there’s a fair chance you will be treated with respect in return.”

The UK’s negotiating team under Brexit Secretary David Davis is due to begin the first full round of talks with the EU’s Michel Barnier on Monday.