AN extraordinary mudslinging match broke out today after Rishi Sunak abandoned plans to scrap all EU red tape by the end of the year.
Former Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg accused the PM of “behaving like a Borgia” and suggested the move will keep prices and inflation high.
Rishi Sunak yesterday binned his promise to scrap all EU red tape by the end of the year
Jacob Rees-Mogg today compared Rishi Sunak to a Renaissance Italian family known for incest and murder
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch faced a grilling in the Commons today over the u-turn
The Borgia’s were a rich dynasty in Renaissance Italy, infamous for adultery, incest, theft and murder.
Mr Rees-Mogg blasted: “When Rishi Sunak resigned (as chancellor), he said in his resignation letter to Boris Johnson that he believed the public are ready to hear the truth.
“He then said something that people like me wanted to hear, and has failed to deliver it.
“I’m afraid it’s no good being holier-than-thou if you then end up behaving like a Borgia.”
During the Tory leadership race last summer, Mr Sunak vowed to scrap all remaining EU laws on the statute book by the end of 2023.
It was a key promise the PM used to woo Brexiteers to his side.
But yesterday those plans were binned, with ministers opting instead to review the red tape over an indefinite period of time.
In the Commons, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch insisted taking time is a “better approach” than a bonfire.
“The reason why we left the EU was not just to delete EU law from the statute book, but to make our economy better,” she said.
“In order to do that, we have to reform the laws, if we delete the laws from the statute book we will be starting from scratch in terms of bringing in the reforming primary legislation.
“This is a better approach.”
Tory MPs hit back, accusing the PM of betrayal.
Some suggested civil servants are to blame for the screeching u-turn.
Senior Tory Sir Bill Cash said: “This House is being treated in a manner which is clearly inconsistent with clear promises already made”.
MP Mark Francois asked Ms Badenoch: “Secretary of State what on Earth are you playing at?”
Meanwhile, Labour urged the Business Secretary to apologise to trade unions and civil servants who told her ditching 4,000 laws would not be possible in 12 months.
Shadow Business Secretary Justin Madders said: “It was completely unrealistic, reckless and, frankly, arrogant to think you could strike 4,000 laws from the statute book in the timescale set out in the Bill.
“This humiliating U-turn is completely down to Government hubris that has found itself crashing up against the reality.”
