Michael Portillo gives brilliant analysis on why he voted Brexit: ‘Profound Eurosceptic’ | Politics | News
Michael Portillo has offered an eye-opening explanation behind his avid support for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. A self-confessed “enthusiastic” Brexiteer, the former Defence Secretary described himself as a “profound Eurosceptic”. He emphasised that, due to his experience as a dual passport holder, he has developed a unique understanding of the differences that separate European countries. In light of this, Mr Portillo indicated that he “couldn’t at all understand” the desire to unite such a varied continent under one European Union that lacks “accountability”.
Asked if he voted for Brexit, Mr Portillo told GB News presenter Gloria De Piero: “I did, with enthusiasm.”
Mr Portillo, a former Conservative MP and Cabinet minister under Sir John Major, said: “I am the holder of a Spanish passport, as well as a British passport – I know Spain pretty intimately.
“That, indeed, is one of the reasons why I am a profound Eurosceptic.”
The former MP was born in Hertfordshire to a Scottish mother and Spanish father and has been recognised as a Spanish citizen since the age of four.
Mr Portillo continued: “It struck me that the countries of Europe are so different – they have such different political cultures.
“The meaning of citizen, the meaning of state, are different in each of these places.
“I couldn’t at all understand the aspiration to want to govern Europeans in general.
“I couldn’t at all see how you could achieve a government of Europeans, in general, that would be accountable and democratic.”
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