The Chancellor Philip Hammond has risked opening a major diplomatic row after describing the EU as “the enemy” in Brexit negotiations.
In comments at the International Monetary Fund conference in Washington DC, the Chancellor said that “passions are high” but urged colleagues to work together on “the same agenda”.
"The enemy, the opponents are out there, they're on the other side of the negotiating table. Those are the people we have to negotiate with, negotiate hard to get the very best deal for Britain,” he told Sky News.
Speaking to The Telegraph earlier, he accused the EU of "very unproductive behaviour".
The Chancellor also hit back at allegations of betrayal and sabotage over Brexit, insisting that he wouldn’t resign, that preparations were under way for all eventualities including a "no-deal" outcome, and that more money would be made available from reserves as and when necessary.
Philip Hammond calls EU 'the enemy' in Brexit negotiations as he denies sabotaging talks
In comments at the International Monetary Fund conference in Washington DC, the Chancellor said that “passions are high” but urged colleagues to work together on “the same agenda”.
"The enemy, the opponents are out there, they're on the other side of the negotiating table. Those are the people we have to negotiate with, negotiate hard to get the very best deal for Britain,” he told Sky News.
Speaking to The Telegraph earlier, he accused the EU of "very unproductive behaviour".
The Chancellor also hit back at allegations of betrayal and sabotage over Brexit, insisting that he wouldn’t resign, that preparations were under way for all eventualities including a "no-deal" outcome, and that more money would be made available from reserves as and when necessary.
Philip Hammond calls EU 'the enemy' in Brexit negotiations as he denies sabotaging talks
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