UK ex-PM David Cameron breaks his silence on Brexit, says 2016 referendum left him ‘depressed’

British Prime Minister David Cameron (Photo: IANS)


Former British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday finally broke his silence on Brexit, saying that the result of the 2016 referendum left him depressed.

The former Conservative Party leader walked away from 10 Drowning Street less than a month after British people voted in June that year to leave the European Union by a 52-48 margin.

In an interview with British newspaper The Times, Cameron said he recognized some people will never forgive him for holding a referendum, but he thinks a referendum was “inevitable”.

“This issue needed to be addressed and I thought a referendum was coming, so better to try to get some reforms we needed and have a referendum.

“But I accept that effort failed. I do understand some people are very angry because they didn’t want to leave the EU. Neither did I,” he said.

“I worry desperately about what is going to happen next. I think we can get to a situation where we leave but we are friends, neighbours and partners. We can get there, but I would love to fast- forward to that moment because its painful for the country and its painful to watch, Cameron added.

Cameron said he believes a second referendum might be the way forward.

The interview came ahead of the upcoming publication of his memoir ‘For The Record’ which details the Brexit debate before, during and after the referendum.

Earlier on Thursday, UK parliamentary speaker John Bercow warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to disobey the law by refusing to ask for a Brexit delay and vowed to thwart any attempt to circumvent legislation.

Earlier this month, Parliament passed a law that aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson is adamant Britain will still leave the EU on schedule on October 31 with or without a withdrawal agreement.

On Monday, Johnson suffered another defeat as MPs backed calls for the publication of government communications relating to the suspension of Parliament and its no-deal plans.