What criticisms by No 10 predecessors can tell us
In the rarefied world inhabited by the tiny number of people who have ever held the keys to Number 10 Downing Street, the word “misgivings” should not be underestimated.
While others might be tempted to use stronger language, former prime ministers are loth to criticise their successors. Many are fearful of accusations that they cannot let go of the trappings of power, or of being labelled as a sore loser.
So when David Cameron says he has “misgivings” about the actions of a fellow Conservative prime minister, it is a very strong message indeed, especially when it follows similar concerns expressed by two
other former prime ministers, Tony Blair and Sir John Major. But will it work?
At his last Prime Minister’s Questions, Cameron urged his successors to remain as close to the EU as possible. Both Theresa May and Boris Johnson ignored that warning.
Even before the EU referendum, there were signs that the influence of former prime ministers might not be what they want it to be. This weekend, for instance, was not the first time that Blair and Major have made a joint intervention. In the run-up to the Brexit vote in 2016, the two men travelled to Northern Ireland to warn that a vote to leave the EU could lead to the break up of the United Kingdom.
In some respects, what does Johnson care about the views of former inhabitants of No 10? After all, the prime minister famously removed the Tory whip from more than 20 MPs, including Sir Winston Churchil’s grandson, last year.
The more pertinent question might be whether voters care. While many have strong views on both Major and Blair, the sight of them joining together across the political divide highlights that this issue is not some temporary row but a larger question about Britain’s future and reputation in the world.
Their charge also directly attacks one of Johnson’s central themes. The prime minister has often claimed that Brexit will be a gateway to a global Britain, one that is attractive to other partners on the world stage. But if former prime ministers of the UK have doubts about this bill, how are prime ministers of other countries around the world expected to view it?