Interview
Why Jeremy Hunt thinks he'll be Britain's next prime minister
- Predicts the Conservative Party faces total obliteration and potential dissolution as a political entity if Brexit promises are not delivered, with a general election described as an "absolutely catastrophic" outcome that could install Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister.
- Forecasts that Parliament is likely to block a no-deal Brexit due to parliamentary arithmetic, while the EU may block a "better deal" unless the UK government can demonstrate the ability to deliver a parliamentary majority.
- Warns that a hardline approach will trigger a reciprocal EU response, potentially leaving the UK at the October 31 deadline with no changes, or forcing a general election if no resolution is reached by that date.
- Indicates that retaining a no-deal option risks its removal by Parliament, which has already occurred this year, and suggests that the economic risk of no-deal is lower than the democratic risk of failing to deliver Brexit.
- Proposes assembling a negotiating team comprising the DUP, ERG, and Conservative MPs from Scotland and Wales to signal to the EU that British proposals are deliverable through Parliament.
- States that if negotiations proceed in a constructive tone, a deal exists due to mutual EU interest, whereas a wrong UK approach could lead to the EU waiting for Parliament to block no-deal and triggering a "huge debate over an extension."
- Outlines that the EU may cease negotiations if they doubt the UK's capacity to pass a deal, while acknowledging the Labour Party is viewed as increasingly attractive to the EU due to its support for a customs union and second referendum.
- Predicts that a second referendum resulting in a 52% Remain vote would provoke fury among the 48% who voted twice to leave, potentially demanding a third or fourth referendum.
- Commits to lowering corporation tax to 12.5% to position the UK as Europe's most pro-business, high-tech, and green economy by the point of Brexit, while noting the US GDP growth rate is currently double that of the UK.
- Envisions a scenario where The Economist titles an editorial "Britain's Surprising Brexit Success" in 10 years, contingent on UK growth rates exceeding those of EU countries over that decade.
- Affirms that the US-UK alliance transcends individual politicians, clarifies that President Trump did not seek to include NHS procurement in trade talks, and asserts the NHS will never be sold.
- Warns that China's "Made in China 2025" program aims for an 80% global market share in telecoms equipment and predicts the US and China could reach parity in GDP per capita within 10 years, though China's per capita income would remain one-quarter of the US level.
- States that the UK's future relationship with China depends on Chinese choices regarding values and power, with the UK making decisions on Huawei based on national interest after consultation with the US.
- Expects 5G technology to dominate future life by controlling driverless cars and home heating, surpassing the impact of 3G and 4G.
- Reassures Remain voters that the UK will not change its fundamental character or become a "fortress" excluding foreigners, and notes that betting odds on the speaker's success are currently "slightly longer" than some other candidates.