David Cameron on Brexit: the end of ‘Project Fear’?
Former PM says leaving the EU is a ‘mistake not a disaster’ in comments overheard at Davos
David Cameron has been overheard at Davos saying Brexit is a “mistake, not a disaster” - much to the glee of Brexiteers.
The former prime minister told Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal that leaving the EU had not been as catastrophic as predicted, although the process was “still going to be difficult”.
Cameron’s comments are likely to provoke merriment among his Brexit-backing former colleagues, says The Guardian.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As PM, Cameron was accused of leading “Project Fear” by describing the economic effects of the leave vote as “the gamble of the century”.
Cameron and then-chancellor George Osborne issued a string of “blood-curdling warnings” in 2016 about the potential inpact of quitting the European Union, says the Daily Mail. “Cameron claimed Brexit could lead to war and genocide in Europe, ‘put a bomb under the economy’, destroy funding for public services and lead to cuts in pensions,” according to the newspaper.
Fast-forward 18 months and Nigel Farage is gloating. The former UKIP leader tweeted a video clip of Cameron at this week’s World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos, under the caption: “Busted”.
Farage continued his attack today, “raging” at the news and demanding an apology over Project Fear, reports the Daily Express.
Farage was not alone. A headline in The Sun triumphantly declared: “Project Fear Crumbles.” MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, head of the European Research Group of backbench Tory Eurosceptics, said: “Ultimately, the truth will out, and Mr Cameron shows his statesmanlike qualities by admitting it.”
But not everyone is out to take a swipe at the former Tory leader.
According to The Independent: “Cameron is not alone among former prime ministers expressing scepticism. Tony Blair has waged a media war to keep Britain in the EU, calling for a second referendum along with the Lib Dems, while John Major referred to Brexit as a ‘historic mistake’, and Gordon Brown has said voters could be persuaded they were wrong.”
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?
The Explainer The future is flooded
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issues
In the Spotlight The pilot's union listed 'problematic trends' they say are affecting the airline's fleet
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visit
The Week Recommends These institutions provide insight into American leaders
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
How will honeytrap scandal change Westminster?
Today's Big Question Security procedures laid bare by spear phishing attack as focus shifts to 'political insider' being responsible
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Can Boris Johnson save Rishi Sunak?
Today's Big Question Former PM could 'make the difference' between losing the next election and annihilation
By The Week UK Published
-
Liz Truss and her bid to woo the American far-right
Why Everyone's Talking About Former PM pitching herself as 'bridge in transatlantic conservative movement'
By The Week UK Published
-
Can Cameron put the Falklands sovereignty dispute to bed?
Today's Big Question Foreign secretary says issue 'not up for discussion' ahead of visit amid renewed push from Argentina
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will America recognize a Palestinian state?
Today's Big Question Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the move. Some see it as the only route to peace.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published