Bill Cash, former Conservative MP, expresses agreement with John Major's recent cautions regarding Reform UK and Nigel Farage. Cash asserts that Reform UK's actions in the recent General Election have undermined Brexit and inadvertently aided Keir Starmer's Labour Party in securing a substantial majority.
Cash criticizes Reform UK for capturing over 90 seats from the Conservatives without gaining any parliamentary influence. This outcome, he argues, has not only betrayed Brexit but also diminished Conservative representation on Select Committees.
The former MP voices concern over Labour's intention to "reset" relations with the EU. He points out that Starmer, who previously described the Brexit referendum result as catastrophic and advocated for a second referendum, now leads a government with a significant majority.
"The very notion of this is grotesque considering that we have now regained our self-government, our democracy and our sovereignty."
Cash observes that while the UK debates its EU relationship, many European countries are experiencing economic and political challenges, with growing opposition to EU political integration.
Criticizing Starmer's leadership, Cash highlights perceived failures, including changes to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and alleged capitulation to unions. He also takes issue with the Prime Minister's attire, comparing him unfavorably to a "third-rate Burlington Bertie."
The article then shifts focus to illegal migration and the Rwanda scheme, where Cash disagrees with John Major's stance. While emphasizing the importance of protecting genuine refugees, Cash argues for a renegotiation of international treaties, which he considers outdated.
Cash explains that the UK's unwritten constitution allows for domestic law to potentially override international agreements, including the European Convention on Human Rights, in certain circumstances. He contrasts this with EU member states like Germany, where international law takes precedence over domestic legislation.
In conclusion, Cash criticizes Starmer's abandonment of the Rwanda policy, asserting it has exacerbated the issue of small boat crossings. He maintains that John Major's position on this matter is incorrect.
Bill Cash served as a Member of Parliament from 1984 to 2024 and chaired the House of Commons' European Scrutiny Committee for many years, bringing significant experience to his analysis of these complex issues.