'Tories must talk up the benefits of Brexit or lose the next election'

Top Brussels negotiator calls for 'spirit of change' to excite voters

- David Williamson

BRITAIN'S chief Brexit negotiator has warned the Conservatives must defend the decision to leave the EU or face punishment at the ballot box.

Lord Frost, a former special adviser to Boris Johnson, has set out a path for the Tories to hold on to power in the election expected next year.

The Conservative peer wants the party to go into the election offering the same "spirit of change" that excited voters in the run-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum.

He warns if voters are convinced "Brexit is failing" they will turn away from the party.

The peer also argues a "rethink" is needed about how the UK will hit its target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, saying it is time to "get serious".

He cautions against forcing expensive lifestyle changes on voters or requiring them to use green technologies that are not yet ready.