Boris Johnson has rejected claims that Britain is worse off because of Brexit, calling such suggestions “complete nonsense.”
Speaking to GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope, the former Prime Minister stood firmly by his decision to take Britain out of the European Union, insisting it was the right move.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum, Johnson said leaving the EU had been the correct choice, both in the short and long term.
He told GB News: “I think in the short term it’s been the right thing to do, and in the long term people will recognise that too. When you look at plans for a more federal Europe and the push towards a single political structure made up of very different nations, I think people will see it was the right call for the UK.
“It was the right choice for Britain, a country with an ancient parliamentary democracy, major global interests, a huge diaspora around the world, and extensive trade links far beyond Europe.”
When Christopher Hope pointed out that critics argue Britain is now worse off, Johnson dismissed the claim as “complete cobblers.”
He said: “Any economic underperformance in recent years has nothing to do with Brexit and everything to do with the disastrous policies of the Labour Government.
“If you raise National Insurance contributions, punish wealth creators, and push entrepreneurs to leave the country, the damage is obvious.
“I travel around the world and meet people who desperately want to live here but feel they can’t. It’s a catastrophe.”
Reflecting on Brexit a decade later, Johnson admitted the negotiations were difficult but said his government ultimately delivered on its promise.
He said: “Ten years on, the government I led got Brexit done and delivered a hard Brexit.
“It wasn’t easy — it was tough to negotiate and tough to implement. But we regained control of our laws, our borders, and our money, and restored full constitutional independence.”
Johnson added that this independence would matter even more in the future.
He said: “In a 21st-century — and even 22nd-century — economy, flexibility and agility are vital for a country like ours.
“People are happier when they feel in control of their lives and believe the politicians they elect can actually deliver on what they promise.”
Looking back at the infamous Brexit campaign bus, Johnson admitted the figures displayed on it were inaccurate.
He said: “I think now is the time to admit the numbers on the bus were wrong.
“They were actually too low. If we had stayed in the EU, we’d now be paying at least £450 million a week, and that’s a serious amount of money. You could build a very large hospital for £100 million.”
Addressing criticism over post-Brexit migration, Johnson rejected claims that his government allowed millions to enter Britain legally.
He said: “That’s total rubbish. When we left the EU, we took back full legal control, and during the first year of my premiership we recorded the lowest immigration levels in 40 years.
“What happened afterwards was that too many people bought into Remain propaganda suggesting everyone had fled the UK.”
