Boris Johnson accused of "political amnesia"

By Catherine Hardy with REUTERS, DANISH TELEVISION

Published on 17/05/2016 - 19:03

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There are stern words for the flamboyant Brexit campaigner from one of the EU's most senior officials.

“Absurd” to compare the EU’s aims to Hitler
Johnson stands by his comments
Cameron warns of the effect on the City of a “Brexit”

“What is happening?*

One of the EU’s most senior officials says it is absurd to compare the organisation’s aims with Hitler.

Saying he was defending his vision of Europe, EU Council President Donald Tusk says the alternative to the EU is “political chaos”.

“Crossing the boundaries of rational discourse*

What do Germans think of Boris Johnson's EU-Hitler comparison? https://t.co/lJtPtYoQRK pic.twitter.com/bEgsgpvVGU
— The Guardian (@guardian) May 16, 2016

Former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, sparked an outcry when he said that while Hitler and Napoleon had failed at unifying Europe, the EU was trying to do the same by other methods.

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, calls Boris Johnson's remarks on the EU and Hitler 'absurd' https://t.co/DZ95MOb3Ue
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 17, 2016

Speaking on a visit to the Danish capital, Tusk described Boris Johnson’s comments as “absurd”.

“When I hear the EU being compared to the plans and projects of Adolf Hitler, I cannot remain silent,” he said.

“Such absurd arguments would be completely ignored if they had not been formulated by one of the most influential politicians of the governing party.”

“Boris Johnson crossed the boundaries of rational discourse, demonstrating political amnesia.”

Johnson, a high-profile “Leave” campaigner, says he is standing by his comments.

David Cameron

David Cameron has stated that Isis and Vladimir Putin 'might be happy' with Brexit. Is he right? pic.twitter.com/P6dbxr6HDZ
— LBC (@LBC) May 17, 2016

Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister has warned that the UK’s financial sector could be seriously affected if the country chooses to leave the EU in a national referendum next month.

Speaking in London, David Cameron said parting with Brussels could lead to heavy job losses.

The Prime Minister attacked the “leave” campaign for claiming the financial sector would not be impacted and could continue to trade outside the EU’s single market.

Cameron urged businesses and voters to vote to stay in the union.

He added that the UK’s international allies wanted it to remain, but claimed the leaders of Russia and ISIL wanted it to leave.