UK rejoins EU’s Horizon science programme
Boris Johnson dashed Rejoiner hopes as he insisted Britain will “never” return to the European Union.
The former prime minister, who was a key figure in the Brexit campaign, celebrated the UK’s new deal to take part in the bloc’s Horizon science programme.
But he rejected claims by Brexit critics that it is the “beginning of the end” for Brexit and Britain “will be back on bended knee”.
Writing in his Daily Mail column, Mr Johnson said: “Well, I am here to tell you… that it isn’t going to happen. Ever.”
He warned that becoming a member of the 27-member bloc again would mean ditching the pound for the euro.
READ MORE: Victory as UK secures bespoke deal to rejoin EU’s Horizon science programme
He added that the UK would be forced to pay “even more” into the EU’s coffers than before and sign up to the “goal of a federal Europe”.
Insisting that “no British government would ever accept it”, he went on: “And rejoining the EU is not, repeat NOT, the solution for any significant problem that the UK currently faces.”
The ex-PM said rejoining would not make the UK more competitive, boost productivity, close the skills gap, fix the housing market or slash the cost of infrastructure.
He added: “On the contrary, it would make things worse, depriving us of regulatory freedom before we have even had a chance to use it.”
Mr Johnson called for the Tories to “champion” Brexit rather than giving the “impression that we are embarrassed by the decision of the British people”.
He said: “Of course, we can continue to partner our EU friends in science and all kinds of other things, but we took a decision to leave the EU — and there is no going back. We have it in our hands to make it a triumphant success — so let’s get on with it.”
Mr Johnson’s comments come after it was confirmed yesterday that the UK will return to the UK’s £85 billion Horizon research scheme.
Britain was frozen out for two years as part of a bitter Brexit row over Northern Ireland.
But the move has given a boost to Rejoiners who hope it is a sign the UK could one day rejoin the EU.
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