Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has criticised Rishi Sunak’s proposed smoking ban, sparking debate within the Conservative Party over what, if anything, the party stands for. Here’s the full story.
Suspiciously Quiet
There has been a period of political quiet recently, with Parliament in recess for the Easter break. However, for those who were enjoying the relative quiet, Boris Johnson, the one figure who excels at shaking things up and breaking any enjoyable silence, has recently been back in the headlines.
Guess Who’s Back?
Johnson, the disgraced former Prime Minister who oversaw Covid lockdown-breaking parties and the sex scandal that ultimately ended his trouble-wracked premiership, has spoken out against current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s proposed smoking ban.
“Absolutely Nuts”
Speaking at the Canada Strong and Free conference in Ottawa, alongside former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the political journalist John O’Sullivan, Johnson, in typically understated terms, labelled the plan as “absolutely nuts.”
Gradual Smoking Ban
Sunak’s proposal to incrementally raise the smoking age, effectively preventing individuals born after January 1, 2009, from purchasing cigarettes, has come under sustained criticism from Conservatives. Still, Johnson is the most visible party member who speaks out publicly.
Free Vote
MPs are anticipated to have a free vote on the proposed law when it reaches the Commons on April 16. With both the government and the Labour party backing the plan, its passage is virtually guaranteed.
Whoops!
A similar law scheduled to take effect in New Zealand in July, which many believe was the basis for Sunak’s UK smoking ban, was repealed by the country’s new coalition government in February.
Not in My Name
During his speech at the conference in Ottawa, Johnson stated, “When I look at some of the things we are doing now, or that are being done in the name of conservatism, I think they’re absolutely nuts.”
“Banning Cigars”
He continued, “We’re banning cigars. What is the point of banning – the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars … Donnez moi un break, as they say in Quebec. It’s just mad.”
Questionable Support
Johnson’s criticism raises serious questions about his willingness to support the Conservative party, particularly under Sunak’s leadership.
Strained Relationship
The strained relationship between Johnson and Sunak, with the latter allegedly playing a role in Johnson’s resignation, has left many political commentators wondering whether Johnson, no stranger to the limelight, would campaign alongside the party during the upcoming election, widely expected in the autumn.
Pitiful Polling
With Conservative poll numbers looking dire, even a polarizing figure such as Johnson could help boost their visibility, if not their electoral chances.
Freedom to Do What?
Speaking to the audience in Ottawa about the current state of conservatism and conservative values, Johnson stated, “The difference between us conservatives and our opponents is that every time, their instincts are always about control and exploitation and coercion, and taking your money and spending it on your behalf and regulating your life – and we are, on the whole, in favor of freedom.”
Uniting Conservatives
He continued, “It’s that single Anglo-Saxon idea of freedom that I think unites conservatives – or should unite conservatives.”
Autocratic Countries
Johnson also juxtaposed what he saw as the conservative values of freedom against those of more autocratic regimes, such as Russia.
Not Those Freedoms!
In his long diatribe on freedom, Johnson did not mention the recent Conservative Public Order Bill in the UK, which has severely curtailed the freedom of activists and concerned citizens to freely gather and protest against perceived injustices or, in particular, the impending climate catastrophe.
Disruptive Protests
Sunak’s government has insisted that the new powers are necessary to prevent what they see as a loud and disruptive minority group from disrupting the daily lives of the broader public.
“Deeply Troubling”
The new legislation was considered so draconian that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , Volker Turk, called the legislation “deeply troubling” and stated that the measures contained within the bill were “neither necessary nor proportionate.”
Turnaround
Towards the end of his speech, Johnson expressed his hope that the Conservative party would enjoy a turnaround from its recent misfortunes, drawing inspiration from the resurgence of conservatism in Canada under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership.
Global Issues
Additionally, he stressed the importance of addressing pressing global issues such as climate change in a manner consistent with conservative principles.
“A Proper Conservative Way”
Johnson finished by saying, “Let me tell you, elections are won by the party that really owns the future. And I’m full of excitement about what’s happening here in Canada, but I think that people want to see there’s a plan and a programme to deal with this problem in a proper conservative way.”
Profound Divisions
Boris Johnson’s critique of Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban is perhaps unsurprising, considering the two’s rocky relationship. Still, the former Prime Minister’s speaking out so forcefully against his replacement shows the profound divisions currently affecting the UK Conservative Party.
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The post Johnson on Tory Party: “I Think They’re Absolutely Nuts” first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.