UK Brexit minister resigns

LONDON

The UK’s Brexit Secretary David Frost resigned Saturday from Boris Johnson's government on grounds that relations with the EU is a "long-term task."

Frost said in a letter to Johnson that he led UK’s EU exit process for two and half years, noting that the two men restored the UK's freedom and independence as a country and started the process of establishing a new relationship with the EU.

But he noted a leak to the media of his decision to leave the post before it took place in January.

“It is disappointing that this plan has become public this evening and in the circumstances I think it is right for me to write to step down with immediate effect,” he said.

Frost said “Brexit is now secure” but “the challenge for the Government now is to deliver on the opportunities it gives” the UK.

He criticized the direction of the government's policies regarding the coronavirus pandemic and regretted steps in July to reopen the economy that were not “irreversible” but he said, “I hope we can get back on track soon and not be tempted by the kind of coercive measures we have seen elsewhere.”

Frost's resignation came at a time when Johnson is politically stuck.

The Conservative Party, led by Johnson, whose 98 deputies voted against the regulation regarding a vaccination passport, also lost a by-election in North Shropshire on Dec.16.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan