Sir John Major urges ‘more charm, less cheap rhetoric’ in Brexit talks

Former prime minister Sir John Major has called on Theresa May to inject “a little more charm and a lot less cheap rhetoric” into the Brexit negotiations.

In a stinging attack, the ex-Tory leader said he had watched with “growing concern” over the way the country has been led to expect a future outside the European Union that is “unreal and over-optimistic”.

Sir John warned the most vulnerable are likely to be hit hardest by the impact of quitting the bloc.

In a speech at Chatham House in London, he said: “I have watched with growing concern as the British people have been led to expect a future that seems to be unreal and over-optimistic.

“Obstacles are brushed aside as of no consequence, whilst opportunities are inflated beyond any reasonable expectation of delivery.”

Sir John said the talks require “statesmanship of a high order” and warned of a “real risk” of the exit deal falling “well below the hopes and expectations” that have been raised.

“I see little chance we will be able to match the advantages of the single market,” he said. “In my own experience, the most successful results are obtained when talks are conducted with goodwill: it is much easier to reach agreement with a friend than a quarrelsome neighbour.

“Behind the diplomatic civilities, the atmosphere is already sour. A little more charm, and a lot less cheap rhetoric, would do much to protect the UK’s interests.”

The former premier’s time in Number 10 was marked by a series of bruising battles with his own MPs over Europe and his outspoken opposition to quitting the bloc has previously angered Eurosceptic Tories.

Sir John said Leave voters backed Brexit in the belief it would improve their lives.

“If events go badly, their expectations will not be met, and whole communities will be worse off,” he said. “The particular fear I have is that those most likely to be hurt will be those least able to protect themselves.”

Sir John said it was “time to stop” the attacks on Remain supporters, insisting they are demeaning and intolerant. He told how pro-EU voters had contacted him in “dismay” and “despair” over the way they are being told to keep quiet and toe the line.

“A popular triumph at the polls – even in a referendum – does not take away the right to disagree – nor the right to express that dissent.

“Freedom of speech is absolute in our country. It’s not ‘arrogant’ or ‘brazen’ or ‘elitist’, or remotely ‘delusional’ to express concern about our future after Brexit.

“Nor, by doing so, is this group undermining the will of the people: they are the people. Shouting down their legitimate comment is against all our traditions of tolerance. It does nothing to inform and everything to demean – and it is time it stopped.”

Sir John warned that Britain is becoming more dependent on the United States at a time when the president is “less predictable, less reliable and less attuned” to Britain’s ways than any of his predecessors.

A No 10 source said: “The Prime Minister set out her 12 negotiating objectives for Brexit in January. We have a clear plan to get the best deal for the United Kingdom and are going to get on with the job of delivering it.”