The Conservative MP for Braintree praised Mr Johnson’s efforts in attempting to get the UK a deal as the Brexit deadline approaches. His tribute was paid during last night’s Question Time on BBC, where he revealed how hard the Prime Minister is working.
Fiona Bruce, Question Time presenter asked Mr Cleverly whether he thought Mr Johnson was going about the right way to try and “build consensus with the opposition” in the face of Brexit.
Mr Cleverly began his reply with a tribute to his former Prime Minister’s, Theresa May, after the 2016 referendum: “Theresa May burnt through all her political capital she sacrificed her career in an attempt to get consensus. she invited opposition leaders for assurances on consensus.”
Ms Bruce interrupted Mr Cleverly and drew attention to the discord in Parliament and said: “But is the consensus over?”
Mr Cleverly continued:: “For example, she was told if the future declaration was stripped from the agreement, that was something Labour MPs would vote for.
“We’ve got to resolve this issue and move on and take about police and education and transport which is what the people in the audience tell me on their doorsteps.”
However, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, earlier this week claimed that the chances of a deal getting done in the near future is “pretty much nil”.
Mr Barnier said that in his opinion, a plan to replace the Irish border backstop has failed in meeting the EU’s criteria of safeguarding the Northern Ireland peace process and single market.
Although, Mr Barnier did say that the UK and EU had had “serious detailed discussions” where both parties wanted to see a deal happen.
Mr Johnson’s government is currently seeking to renegotiate the withdrawal deal agreed by Ms May.
No formal proposals, however, have been tabled.
EU officials have previously accused the UK of “dancing around the issues” of Brexit and what must be a deal that benefits both parties.
It was reported earlier this week that the UK has now presented informal “non-papers” to the EU.
These “non-papers”, or informal discussions, have reportedly been received by the EU with dismay.
The UK is currently set to leave the EU by October 31, with or without a deal.
After this date it is generally accepted that MPs would be happy to spark a general election around November 1, but not before any Brexit deal is done.
