Johnson cites ‘semi-Brexit’ in resignation

LONDON (AP) – Now-former British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has slammed Prime Minister Theresa May in a resignation letter, accusing her of flying “white flags” of surrender in negotiations with the European Union.

Johnson, one of the most vocal and popular proponents of Britain’s exit from the European Union, quit as Britain’s top diplomat on Monday. His move came hours after Brexit Secretary David Davis also resigned, blowing open divisions over how to leave the EU that threaten to topple May’s government.

Johnson said in his letter that May’s plan to keep close economic ties with the bloc means the U.K. is heading for a “semi-Brexit” that would leave Britain with the “status of colony” within the EU.

He said: “The Brexit dream is dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt ”

May’s supporters worry that more ministers could resign, and pro-Brexit lawmakers from her Conservative Party could trigger a no-confidence vote in the prime minister.