John Major’s scathing attack on Boris Johnson: key charges

Boris Johnson “broke lockdown laws” and has made the government “look distinctly shifty”, Sir John Major has said in a scathing attack on the prime minister’s character.

In a wide-ranging speech in London, the former Conservative prime minister also condemned Johnson for eroding public trust in British democracy, showing contempt for ministerial standards, damaging the UK’s international reputation, and attempted assaults on civil rights. Below are Major’s main charges against the prime minister and his government.

“Brazen excuses were dreamed up. Day after day the public was asked to believe the unbelievable. Ministers were sent out to defend the indefensible, making themselves look gullible or foolish.

“Collectively this has made the government look distinctly shifty, which has consequences that go far beyond political popularity. No government can function properly if its every word is treated with suspicion.

“The charge that there is one law for the government, and one for everyone else is politically deadly – and it has struck home.”

“He chose to ignore critical reports on his ministers; rejected advice from his independent adviser on ministerial standards – who resigned; and attempted – but failed – to overturn a unanimous standards select committee report that condemned the behaviour of a parliamentary colleague and friend.

“It may be possible to find excuses for each of these lapses – and others – but all of them, taken together, tell a different tale.”

“Trust in politics is at a low ebb, eroded by foolish behaviour, leaving a sense of unease about how our politics is being conducted. Too often, ministers have been evasive, and the truth has been optional.”

“If trust in our word is lost overseas, we may no longer be able to work effectively with friends and partners for mutual benefit – or even security. Unfortunately, that trust is being lost, and our reputation overseas has fallen because of our conduct.”

“Although they may be uncomfortable for any government (…) protest marches are a safety valve for free speech. Democracy should treat them with care. Such a denial of civil rights is wrong in principle, and in practice.”“

“Can it really be a crime to be frightened, homeless, desperate, destitute, fleeing from persecution, or war, or famine, or hardship; and to cross half the world on foot and dangerous waters in an unsafe boat, in the hope of finding a better life? (…) Surely, to seek sanctuary from an unbearable life cannot – morally – be treated as a crime?

“When a leading tabloid labelled judges ‘enemies of the people’ the justice secretary did not leap to their defence. Other cabinet ministers publicly disparaged ‘lefty lawyers’, ‘activist lawyers’, and attacked judges for ‘exceeding their authority’.

“Public denunciation of judges and lawyers gives credence to the belief that the government wishes to usher in a compliant judiciary. It should back off.”

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