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‘He will NEVER be PM’ Hammond savages Boris Johnson and his fantasy world Brexit plan

Hammond has launched an sustained personal attack on the former foreign secretary as he prepared to ..

Hammond has launched an sustained personal attack on the former foreign secretary as he prepared to deliver a speech at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.

In a series of interviews and TV appearances, the Remain-supporting cabinet minister defended Theresa Mays so-called Chequers plan to deliver Brexit against criticism by Johnson, who has described it as “deranged”.

Johnson last week urged the PM to “chuck Chequers” and instead pursue a “Canada-style” free trade deal with the EU in an essay outlining his vision for Brexit in the Telegraph.

But Hammond said “Super Canada” proposal suggested by Johnson is “not on offer” from the EU because it would create a hard border in Northern Ireland.

In a searing assessment of Johnson, Hammond ridiculed him for having “no grasp of detail” on complex matters and accused him of living in a “fantasy world” in terms of Brexit.

brexit news hammond johnson

GETTY

REBUKE: Philip Hammond has accused Boris Johnson of living in a 'fantasy world' over Brexit
(Pic: GETTY)

On Johnsons prospects of becoming PM, Hammond mockingly said he doesnt “expect it to happen” because he cannot do “grown-up politics”.

Questioning his fitness for Downing Street, Hammond suggested introducing “Boris Bikes” during his tenure as London mayor was his greatest accomplishment to date.

Hammond, who voted to Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum, is the latest pro-EU cabinet member to defend Mrs May against a barrage of attacks by Eurosceptic MPs.

His comments come after the PM told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show that she would make a success of Brexit “regardless of the outcome” while repeatedly failing to rule out a no-deal.

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“I don't believe that will happen”

Philip Hammond

Responding to Johnsons claims she doesn't believe in Brexit, Mrs May suggested her Chequers plan is the only option that will “get a really good” deal with the EU.

Johnson is not speaking from the stage at this year's conference, after walking out of cabinet in July in protest at the plan agreed at Chequers for the UK's future relationship with the EU.

His repeated attacks on Mrs May and her Brexit plan have stoked rumours he is about to mount a leadership challenge.

But today, when Hammond was repeatedly asked whether Johnson could ever become prime minister, he stated several times: "I don't believe that will happen."

johnson hammond
GETTY

SCATHING: Hammond said Johnson has 'no grasp of the details' on complex issues
(Pic: GETTY)

He told Sky News: "Of course, Boris is a big personality, nobody is denying that.

“What I'm saying is that the business of government is a process of attention to detail, follow-through, lots of hard work.

"It isn't just about making flamboyant statements and big announcements, it's about getting things done."

He dismissed the former foreign secretary's call for the UK to negotiate a "Super Canada" free trade agreement with the EU.

"It isn't about taking back control, it's about fantasy world," Mr Hammond told ITV's Good Morning Britain.

theresa may
GETTY

REMAIN FIGHT BACK: Hammond has supported the PM and her Chequers plan
(Pic: GETTY)

He suggested Johnson does not understand to intricacies of negotiating with the EU, adding: "It's no good just ignoring it and banging your head against a brick wall.

"You have got to understand what their red lines are as well so you can try and find a landing ground you can both accept, which means a deal gets done."

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt used a Telegraph interview to warn Brussels it would stir up a "Dunkirk Spirit" if it forced Mrs May into a bad deal.

He told the paper: "If President Macron thinks… we will come crawling back desperate to rejoin the club in a few years' time… it is a profound misreading of our character."

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