France Urges Johnson to Use Frost’s Exit to Rebuild Trust with EU

THE GUARDIAN: Minister for the EU Clément Beaune admits to difficult relationship with ex-Brexit minister and calls for reset

The French minister for EU affairs, Clemént Beaune, says resignation of David Frost is chance for UK to improve relations with the EU. Photograph: John Thys/AFP/Getty Images
The French government has called on Boris Johnson to use David Frost’s resignation as Brexit minister to “rebuild trust” with the EU amid uncertainty over the prime minister’s approach in the new year.

Clément Beaune, France’s EU affairs minister, who had a series of run-ins with the prime minister’s pugnacious minister, suggested that Downing Street should use the moment to reset the troubled relationship.

He said: “We had difficult relations but we always continued the dialogue. I send my best with respect to David Frost after his resignation. It is time for the British government to rebuild a climate of trust with France and the EU in the interest of all.”

While Frost has proved to be a tough negotiating partner over the last two and a half years, his formal resignation on Sunday set off alarm bells in Brussels and EU capitals. » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels and isa O'Carroll in London | Sunday, December 19, 2021

Departure of Frost as Brexit Minister Sets Off Alarm Bells in Brussels

THE GUARDIAN: Concern grows within Europe that his replacement will undermine recent truce in negotiations

The resignation of David Frost as Boris Johnson’s Brexit minister has set off alarm bells in Brussels, with officials unclear as to the approach that will be taken by the prime minister in the new year.

In recent weeks, the UK government softened its approach to the post-Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland, with the two sides brokering a Christmas truce in the talks on a relatively positive note.

There is concern that Johnson, under huge pressure from the right of his Conservative party over Covid restrictions, will feel the need to replace Lord Frost with someone who will want to unravel the new approach.

On Sunday, reports suggested that figures such as Iain Duncan Smith, the former work and pensions secretary, or even David Davis, who resigned as Theresa May’s Brexit secretary in 2018, could be in the running. Both men have called for the ditching of the Northern Ireland protocol in the past.

One EU diplomat said: “Hopefully the new negotiator will be more pragmatic, making good relations with the EU and its member states relations a priority over the pursuit of a pure, antagonistic Brexit - we’re not holding our breath.” » | Daniel Boffey in Brussels and Lisa O'Carroll in Brussels | Sunday, December 19, 2021

Brexit Minister Lord Frost Walks Out on Boris

Cabinet Minister Lord Frost has dramatically resigned from Boris Johnson's Government, The Mail on Sunday can reveal
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY – EXCLUSIVE: Cabinet Minister Lord Frost has sensationally resigned from Boris Johnson's Government / His dramatic move was triggered by his growing 'disillusionment' with the direction of Tory policy / Lord Frost is understood to have handed his resignation to the Prime Minister a week ago / His departure was prompted by Plan B measures, tax rises and 'net zero' politics

Cabinet Minister Lord Frost has sensationally resigned from Boris Johnson's Government, The Mail on Sunday can exclusively reveal.

His dramatic move – triggered by his growing 'disillusionment' with the direction of Tory policy – has sparked yet another crisis within a beleaguered Downing Street.

Lord Frost, who negotiated Britain's departure from the EU as Brexit Minister, is understood to have handed his resignation to the Prime Minister a week ago, but was persuaded by Mr Johnson to stay in his post until January.

A senior Government source said Lord Frost's departure had been prompted by the introduction of 'Plan B' Covid measures, including vaccine passports. But that was just the final straw after months of growing discontent over tax rises and the staggering cost of 'net zero' environmental policies.

The revelation is the latest blow for the embattled Mr Johnson, following a Commons rebellion of 100 Tory MPs over the 'Plan B' measures and the loss of a 23,000 majority in the North Shropshire by-election amid the 'partygate' row over celebrations inside No 10.

Conservative MPs are increasingly talking about a challenge to the Prime Minister's leadership within the next six months, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss leading the field of contenders. » | Glen Owen. Political Editor for The Mail on Sunday | Saturday, December 18, 2021

Brexit minister’s shock resignation leaves Boris Johnson reeling: Lord Frost’s frustrated exit is yet another blow for PM struggling for control of his government »

Tories give Boris Johnson months to improve … or go: Senior party figures think cost of living increases next spring, if combined with poor local election results in May, will doom the PM »

Affaibli, Boris Johnson perd son ministre du Brexit : Après la révélation de l'information par le journal Mail on Sunday, Downing Street l'a confirmée en publiant la lettre de démission de David Frost. »

Brexit-Minister Frost tritt zurück: Tag für Tag neue Hiobsbotschaften für Boris Johnson: David Frost gibt sein Amt auf. In seinem Rücktrittschreiben, das das Büro des Premiers veröffentlichte, macht er seine „Bedenken über die derzeitige Richtung der Reise“ deutlich. »

David Frost hat genug: Der britische Brexit-Minister tritt zurück: Die Luft für Boris Johnson wird immer dünner: Sein ihm bisher nahe stehender Brexit-Minister David Frost verlässt die Regierung. Ein Grund: Die Corona-Politik der Regierung. Das Problem für Johnson: Viele Konservative denken ähnlich wie Frost. »

Brexit - No Wonder It Is All Such a Mess

Nov 27, 2021 • David Frost, our chief Brexit negotiator, who, after negotiating a deal which he and the prime minister both proclaimed a huge success, before he realised it was not a good deal after all and then decided he wanted to change it.

He has since openly criticised the EU for not being prepared to re-negotiate and has resorted to threatening the EU with invoking Article 16 if there is no agreement to what he is demanding.

In a keynote speech at the Centre for Policy Studies, whilst talking of the benefits of the freedom we now have having left the EU, went on to demonstrate his grand delusion by explaining that his job is “to drive change within government and 'to push policy in the right direction'”.