Brexit turmoil leaves UK in political chaos days before Trump visit

Just days before President Trump touches down in London, a firestorm has ignited over the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, resulting in high-profile resignations and widespread political chaos.

Nigel Farage, the former UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader and primary engineer of the Brexit movement, has announced his intention to return to politics, should the “great Brexit betrayal continue.” Farage wrote in the Telegraph Monday and said on his LBC radio show that he was likely to return to the front lines.

On Monday morning, British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson resigned from his post, after privately castigating Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan for a “soft Brexit.” Johnson reportedly described the prime minister’s plan as akin to "polishing a turd."

A Downing Street spokesman said Monday: “This afternoon, the prime minister accepted the resignation of Boris Johnson as foreign secretary. His replacement will be announced shortly. The prime minister thanks Boris for his work.”

Farage also rebuked PM May for her “soft Brexit” proposal, describing it as a “total sell-out.” Farage said on his LBC show Sunday:

“I have to say, I do think that this is a total sell out. It comes from a leader who is weak, a leader who does not believe in Brexit. And as for the so-called Eurosceptics, look, I learnt 25 years ago at the time of Maastricht ‘never ever trust the Tories, they will always put party before country.’ I’m afraid they are doing it again.”

In June 2016, the British people voted in favor of Brexit, the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. However, two years later, the British government has continued to stall on Brexit initiatives. The left in the UK has advocated for the cancellation of Brexit, which would amount to betraying the 2016 referendum.

President Trump is scheduled to arrive in the UK in a few days. The president will touch down in London on July 12, following his departure from the NATO summit in Brussels. While in the UK, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister May, Queen Elizabeth, and several other high-ranking British officials.

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