remain in the United Kingdom. He has publicly voiced his support for Britain to remain in the European Union. After the Referendum, Temerko advocated for a soft Brexit or even a general election, rather than a "no-deal" Brexit. Le Monde quoted Temerko as stating that the most sensible solution for London would be to stop the Brexit process and support the French through reforming the European Union. In August 2019, Temerko suggested that an extension of Article 50 or a second referendum were the only options to avoid the "unfolding travesty" of a no-deal exit on 31 October. During the 2019 Conservative leadership campaign, Temerko supported Jeremy Hunt. The Daily Telegraph quoted Temerko as saying that the other leading candidate, and subsequent leader of the Conservative Party, Boris Johnson, remained a "friend", but he was being "held hostage" by the European Research Group of Brexiteer MPs. Temerko was also quoted by the Huffington Post as saying that the choice between Hunt and Johnson was one of "populism" against "professionalism". He has advocated for greater support for British manufacturers. Temerko has particularly emphasised the role of interconnectors in the energy market in spite of Brexit proceedings, due to the increased volatility caused by increased reliance on renewable sources. In July 2019, Temerko was quoted by Reuters, based on a series of interviews with him conducted in the course of three years, as applauding Brexit, endorsing Boris Johnson's bid to lead Britain out of the EU, lauding senior Russian security officials (including the current and former heads of the Federal Security Service such as Nikolai Patrushev), and proudly recalling his past work with Russia's Defence Ministry during the Yeltsin era. AQUIND Interconnector planning rejection The AQUIND Interconnector was a proposed HVDC power link between the United Kingdom and France. On 20 January 2022, the UK Business Secretary refused consent for the proposal, citing concerns including the impact on the local community facilities at the location of the UK connection point, and the alternative possibilities at other sites. Temerko later described Minister of State for Trade Policy Penny Mordaunt, who had represented constituents concerns with the development, as an "absolutely uncontrollable woman" and a "threat to national security". Mordaunt subsequently said the Conservative Party’s code of conduct should apply to all members including donors, and suggested that party colleagues should not accept funds from Temerko. Aquind and Temerko had donated £1.1 million to