Theresa May slaps down Boris Johnson’s ‘inappropriate’ claims that the Government are not preparing for ‘no deal’ with the EU

THERESA MAY has slapped down Boris Johnson over “irresponsible” claims that the Government had no plans for Brexit if talks end without an EU deal.

In a second controversial comment that No10 also failed to back up, the Foreign Secretary said Brussels can “go whistle” if they expect Britain to pay an “extortionate” Brexit bill.

But Mrs May’s spokesman said “as a responsible government it is right to plan for all eventualities” after Boris claimed no planning was needed as he was so confident Britain would get a good deal.

Last month Brexit Secretary David Davis said he had “worked up” an “alternative in some detail”.

EU negotiators are insisting Britain will have to pay divorce bill for withdrawing from the bloc to make up for spending promises already made.

It is a source of early tension during the UK’s complex departure talks, with the issue expected to come to a head in Autumn.

Pushed in the Commons by Brexiteer Philip Hollobone over whether Brussels should be told to “go whistle” if it wants more money from Britain, BoJo hit back: “I think that the sums that I have seen seem to me to be extortionate and I think go whistle is an entirely appropriate expression.”

But Brexit boss David Davis and Theresa May have been careful not to dismiss paying an exit sum.

Mr Hollobone, the MP for Kettering, pointed out: “Since we joined the Common Market on January 1 1973 until the day we leave, we will have given the EU and its predecessors, in today’s money, in real terms, a total of £209 billion.

“Will you make it clear to the EU that if they want a penny piece more then they can go whistle?

Mr Johnson teased: “I’m sure that your words will have broken like a thunderclap over Brussels and they will pay attention to what you have said.

He went on to say: “He makes a very valid point.”

But No10 said last night: “Our plan is to get a good deal for all of the UK.

“We have said many times before it is right to plan for all eventualities and that is what is happening.”

They added: “as a responsible government it is right to plan for all eventualities.”

“Our view is that the days of us paying large sums money to the EU will be a thing of the past, that has been our position for a long time.”

And rivals hit out at Mr Johnson’s confidence, with the Lib Dems slamming his “glib assurances”.

They added: “This shows a shocking level of complacency.

“It is simply not good enough when people’s jobs, living standards and rights are all on the line.”

And Jeremy Corbyn also piled in to claim “it is ridiculous for the Foreign Secretary to approach important and serious negotiations with that silly, arrogant language that he so often employs.

“Treat people with respect and there’s a fair chance you will be treated with respect in return.

“If you start on the basis of those silly remarks, what kind of response does he expect to get?”

Challenged on Boris Johnson’s quip, David Davis told a Lords committee last night that they would have to ask him what he meant.