Politicsuk politicseu referendumbrexit

Boris Johnson Says He Will Apologise If Economy Crashes Under 'Brexit'

'I think I've always been pretty humble about everything'
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By 

Senior Editor, HuffPost UK

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Boris Johnson on LBC: "I don't think it's going to happen."
LBC

Boris Johnson has said he will apologise if the UK economy crashes as a result of 'Brexit'.

The Leave campaigner-in-chief was speaking on LBC radio after legendary investor George Soros warned of a repeat of the 1990s 'Black Friday' recession if the country leaves the EU.

Writing in the Guardian, he said the pound would "decline precipitously" and there would be serious consequences" for British jobs and finances.

At the same time, former retail bosses of the UK's biggest chains warned the price of essentials such as food and clothing would rise - but thinks it "won't happen".

Taking part in a phone-in, Johnson was asked by a caller if he would "apologise" and would be "humble" if there was a crash.

Johnson replied: "Yes. I would, because I don't think it's going to happen."

Presenter Nick Ferrari chipped in: "So you will bow on television if the economy goes through the floor in the event of 'Brexit'?"

Johnson responded: "I don't think it's going to happen, I think what is happening at the moment."

Pressed again, Johnson added: "Of course, I think I've always been pretty humble about everything."

Johnson argued pro-'Brexit' British entrepreneurs including vacuum inventor Jeremy Dyson and JCB's Anthony Bamford were better barometers, arguing they were job creators rather than market speculators.

He also accused the Government of leaning on businesses to back the Remain campaign.

Johnson said: "I can't tell you the pressure that Project Fear and Remain put on senior business people not to articulate their views.

"Everyone has an interest in keeping friendly with government."

Before You Go

UK newspapers' Brexit stance
The Sun (print circulation 1.7 million)(01 of13)
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The Sun, Britain's most-read print newspaper, came out for Brexit in mid June, arguing: "We must set ourselves free from dictatorial Brussels.Throughout our 43-year membership of the European Union it has proved increasingly greedy, wasteful, bullying and breathtakingly incompetent in a crisis." (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Daily Mail (print circulation 1.5 million)(02 of13)
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The Daily Mail backed Brexit on Wednesday, in opposition to its sister paper the Mail on Sunday. According to Loughborough University, the mid-market paper is one of the most partisan publications in favour of Brexit. (credit:Daily Mail)
The Times (print circulation 438,000)(03 of13)
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The Times backed a vote to remain in the EU just three days after its fellow Murdoch-owned paper The Sun revealed its support for a Brexit. Commenters pointed out this means Murdoch can call victory either way" as his papers have picked opposing sides. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)
The Daily Mirror (print circulation 778,000)(04 of13)
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Britain's left-wing tabloid officially declared its view on Wednesday - asking readers to vote Remain. "This paper certainly has its issues with the EU but after the most divisive, vile and political campaign in living memory, we say ... vote remain tomorrow," it said on its front page. (credit:Andrew Matthews/PA Archive)
The Daily Telegraph (print circulation 490,000)(05 of13)
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The Daily Telegraph supports a vote to leave the EU, writing on Monday that "A world of opportunity is waiting for a fully independent Britain". (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)
i (print circulation 284,000)(06 of13)
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The i newspaper, sister to the now-defunct Independent print title, has also not officially declared. Overall, its coverage reflects support for a Remain vote, the report from Loughborough University found - though only moderately so. (credit:Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)
The Guardian (print circulation 165,000)(07 of13)
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The Guardian announced its support for Remain on Monday, saying the country must "keep connected and inclusive, not angry and isolated". (credit:BEN STANSALL via Getty Images)
The Financial Times (print circulation 198,000)(08 of13)
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The FT made its view clear back on 15 June. It urged readers to vote remain, and also criticised the referendum campaigns of both sides, claiming: "David Cameron’s referendum gamble has proved to be a futile attempt to heal divisions in the ruling Conservative party. The campaign has split the country. Emotions have trumped facts. Born-again populists rail against the establishment." (credit:Financial Times)
Mail on Sunday (print circulation 1.3 million)(09 of13)
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In its final edition before the referendum, The Mail On Sunday came out in favour of Remain, warning it is “not the time to risk the peace and prosperity” of the UK. The news surprised many given the largely pro-Brexit coverage from its sister paper the Daily Mail. (credit:Mail on Sunday)
The Sunday Times (print circulation 797,000)(10 of13)
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The Sunday Times has come out for Brexit, putting it at odds with its daily counterpart The Times, which has backed Remain. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Sunday Telegraph (print circulation 370,000)(11 of13)
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The Sunday Telegraph came out in favour of Brexit in an editorial on Sunday, joining its sister paper. (credit:Sunday Telegraph)
The Observer (print circulation 194,000)(12 of13)
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The Guardian's sister Sunday paper said voters should not turn their backs on Europe, urging a Remain vote like its sibling. It said: "For an international, liberal and open Britain, we need to be part of the EU". (credit:Observer)
Daily Star (print circulation 425,000)(13 of13)
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Though The Star hasn't expressed an editorial view directly, the Loughborough University study placed it as pro-Brexit based on an analyisis of its news coverage. (credit:Star)
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