Liz Truss Fiery Tactics Could Have Led Britain To A Better Brexit Deal
In a new book, former Prime Minister Liz Truss reflects on Britain’s Brexit negotiations and believes the country missed an opportunity by not taking a harder line with the European Union. Liz Truss argues that Brexit “was always going to be seen by the EU as an act of war” and that the only thing the bloc understands is “pain.”
Liz Truss, who served in Theresa May’s cabinet during Brexit talks, laments that her predecessor was not more “hard-headed” in her approach. According to Liz Truss, Britain “potentially had a lot of leverage” but “never used it” against the EU. She thinks threats of tariffs on EU agriculture and closer trade ties with the US could have strengthened the UK’s position.
What Tactics Did Liz Truss Propose?
In the book, Liz Truss proposes tactics she believes Britain should have employed such as “telling the EU they were prepared to go for no deal” and “putting tariffs on their agricultural imports.” Liz Truss argues this more “bold, bellicose approach” could have achieved a better Brexit outcome for the UK but was never pursued due to “cautious civil servants.”
As a former Remain supporter turned Brexit champion, Liz Truss’ views offer a retrospective from someone who was involved in the negotiations. However, her hardline stance may underestimate the EU’s own negotiating resolve in such a high-stakes divorce. Overall, Liz Truss’ comments give insight into her fiery tactics and how she thinks Britain could have gained more from its EU exit.