Jump directly to the content
Remainiac meets reality

George Osborne finally accepts Brexit as he announces plans to slash corporation tax to 15 per cent

The Chancellor unveils his five-point plan to protect the UK economy in wake of referendum vote

Osborne

FIERCE ‘REMAINIAC’ George Osborne last night finally accepted the Brexit vote – as he revealed plans to slash corporation tax to 15 per cent.

The Chancellor unveiled a five-point plan to protect the UK economy in his biggest intervention yet since his crushing defeat in the EU Referendum.

 The Chancellor has unveiled his five-point-plan to shore up the UK economy in the wake of Brexit
3
The Chancellor has unveiled his five-point-plan to shore up the UK economy in the wake of BrexitCredit: Getty Images

He set a new target of lowering corporation tax to less than 15 per cent from 20 per cent.

And he also wants to secure new investment from China, boost banking lending, attract investment into the North of England and maintain ‘fiscal credibility’.

 Osborne's intervention is the first sign that he has begun to accept the result of the referendum
3
Osborne's intervention is the first sign that he has begun to accept the result of the referendumCredit: Getty Images

He said it was time to “accept” the Referendum vote – and “stop moping around or trying to unpick it”.

He added: “What’s done is done.

“The British public has spoken.

 The plan includes measures to secure new investment from China, boost banking lending, attract investment into the North of England
3
The plan includes measures to secure new investment from China, boost banking lending, attract investment into the North of EnglandCredit: Reuters

“I don’t think we should feel sorry for ourselves as a country.

“We’ve got to pick ourselves up and make the best of it and the most of it.”

Speaking to the Financial Times, the man many blame for the Government’s brutal ‘Project Fear’ drive repeated his belief Britain still faced a recession.

“I don’t resile from the warnings I made about the impact.”

But the comments will be seen as the Chancellor beginning to reach out to Tory leadership hopefuls to ensure he plays a key role in any new post-Brexit Government.

Friends are urging Tory leadership hopefuls to “look after” George after the race for PM is over.

The Chancellor said he has not decided who to back “at the moment”.

Topics