Brexit Referendum and Turkey: Boris Johnson’s Position and Cameron’s Promise
Brexit Referendum and Turkey: Boris Johnson’s Position and Cameron’s Promise
Boris Johnson has denied talking about Turkey during the Brexit referendum campaign, despite having warned on several occasions in the run-up to the vote that Turkish immigration posed a threat to the UK. This article explores the history and context behind these claims, shedding light on a complex and often misunderstood scenario in UK-EU-Turkey relations.
Background: David Cameron's Promise to Turkey
The issues surrounding Turkey's potential EU membership have a long history. One of the most significant incidents occurred in 2010 during a visit by then British Prime Minister David Cameron to Turkey. During this visit, Cameron assured Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would push for Turkey to become a full EU member. Cameron's words were clear and forthright, as he declared, ‘Turkey deserves its place at the top table of European politics – and that is what I will fight for.’
His stance was further reinforced in the UK House of Commons where he stated: 'My view is clear. I believe it’s just wrong to say that Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit in the tent. So I will remain your strongest possible advocate for EU membership and for greater influence at the top-table of European diplomacy.' These words set the stage for the complex relationship between Turkey and the EU that existed at the time.
The Shift During the Brexit Referendum Campaign
As the UK prepared for the Brexit referendum, things took an unexpected turn. David Cameron, who had initially advocated for a ‘yes’ vote to remain in the EU, decided to backtrack on his promise to Turkey. During the campaign, Cameron strongly denied any intentions to support Turkey's EU aspirations, signaling a shift in his political platform. This decision was a result of the changing political environment and the growing concerns among British citizens regarding immigration and economic stability.
The contrast between Cameron’s earlier promises and his stance during the referendum campaign has fueled numerous political debates and won’t analysis. It is important to note that during this period, Erdogan was seeking ways to counterbalance the influx of migrants from the Far East and Middle East by utilizing financial resources from the EU. This strategy involved making strong economic and diplomatic demands on the EU to relax visa restrictions, which could allow up to 75 million Turks to freely enter and travel in Europe.
Boris Johnson: A Skeptical Approach to Turkish Immigration
Against this backdrop, Boris Johnson's comments regarding Turkey during the Brexit referendum campaign are understandable. Johnson's skepticism towards Turkish immigration can be traced back to the potential backlash from Britons who were concerned about the impact of increased migration on their country. Johnson’s warnings about Turkish immigration, therefore, likely reflected a prediction of how the situation might unfold if Cameron secured a 'remain' vote.
It is important to consider Johnson's broader political stance on immigration and his general skepticism towards Turkey's role in the EU. This skepticism is not unique to Johnson but is part of a broader debate on immigration and national identity in the UK. Johnson's comments can be seen as a reflection of these concerns, rather than a betrayal of any earlier promises or an inaccurate reflection of the UK's political direction.
Conclusion
The issue of Turkey in the context of the Brexit referendum involves complex geopolitical and economic dynamics, highlighted by the divergent positions held by David Cameron and Boris Johnson. While Cameron's initial promise to Turkey was clear and unwavering, his stance shifted during the referendum campaign, reflecting the evolving political landscape of the UK. Johnson’s warnings about Turkish immigration can be contextualized as a reaction to the potential consequences of a 'remain' vote, rather than an inconsistent position.