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Boris Johnson Speaks to Prime Minister of New Zealand

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken to Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, by phone to discuss matters of interests to the two countries, including trade, climate change and Brexit.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“The leaders discussed their shared commitment to an ambitious free trade agreement between the UK and New Zealand at the earliest opportunity.

Prime Minister Johnson and Prime Minister Ardern also discussed other issues of shared importance, including climate change and maintaining momentum in tackling terrorist use of the internet.

Prime Minister Johnson also updated Prime Minister Ardern on developments in the UK’s exit from the European Union. He confirmed that we want to leave the EU with a deal but we are committed to leaving on 31 October whatever the circumstances.”

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Boris Johnson Speaks to Portuguese Prime Minister

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken to António Costa, the Prime Minister of Portugal, by phone to discuss matters of interests to the two countries such as Brexit, innovation and international security.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said in a statement:

“Prime Minister Johnson spoke about how Portugal is one of the UK’s oldest allies and both leaders agreed that they have a strong relationship to build on, including cooperation on defence, science and innovation.

On Brexit, Prime Minister Johnson set out that whilst we want to leave with a deal, it will require compromise from the EU to change the Withdrawal Agreement, which has been rejected by Parliament three times. He said that he will energetically pursue a deal, but any deal must abolish the backstop. Prime Minister Johnson also explained that the UK will continue to fully prepare to leave the EU on 31 October, whatever the circumstances.

Prime Minister Johnson also acknowledged the valuable contribution of Portuguese nationals who live in the UK and stressed that their rights will be protected after Brexit. He welcomed Portugal’s commitment to do the same for UK nationals living there.”

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Boris Johnson Speaks to Belgian Prime Minister

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken to Charles Michel, the Prime Minister of Belgium, by phone to discuss matters relating to the countries such as Brexit, NATO and security.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“Prime Minister Johnson began by reiterating his commitment to strengthening the excellent bilateral relationship between the UK and Belgium, including in key areas such as security, trade and counterterrorism. He said that he looked forward to welcoming Prime Minister Michel for the NATO Leaders’ Meeting on 4 December.

On Brexit, Prime Minister Johnson set out that the existing deal has been rejected three times by Parliament and must change. He reiterated that the UK stands ready to negotiate an alternative to the backstop in good faith, but if the EU continue to insist on no changes to the Withdrawal Agreement then we will have to leave without a deal on the 31 October.

On citizens’ rights, Prime Minister Johnson thanked Prime Minister Michel for the positive approach of Belgium, which has legislation in place to protect the rights of UK nationals. He reiterated the UK’s commitment that the rights of the 3.2 million citizens, including Belgian citizens now living and working in the UK, are protected whatever the circumstances.

The leaders finished the call by discussing how the UK and Belgium will continue to have a close relationship and work together on the important issues that face our continent.”

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Prime Minister Meets with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has today met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at Downing Street. They discussed with the situation in the UK and Jordan, as well as the links between the countries.

A spokesperson said for the Prime Minister:

“The Prime Minister met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Downing Street today for talks and a working lunch. The leaders reflected on the close bilateral relationship and longstanding friendship between our countries.

They noted the positive impact of the Jordan Growth and Opportunity Conference earlier this year. The Prime Minister welcomed the King’s progress in delivering economic reforms and urged continued momentum.

The leaders also acknowledged Jordan’s important role in maintaining regional stability and the Prime Minister thanked the King for the part Jordan continues to play in hosting Syrian refugees.”

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Prime Minister Meets Representatives from Five Northern Ireland Parties

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has met today with politicians from five different political parties in Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister was also accompanied by Julian Smith, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“The Prime Minister met five of Northern Ireland’s main political parties today in Belfast. The overarching purpose of these meetings was to discuss moving forward in the ongoing power sharing talks and getting the Northern Irish democratic institutions back up and running as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister told all of the parties that he was determined to bring this process to a successful conclusion and that he would do everything he could to make it happen.

He said that while there had been constructive progress in recent weeks at Stormont, that there now needed to be serious and intense engagement to get this done and that he had faith that all parties would step up to the challenge.

The discussions also included Brexit, where the Prime Minister made clear that the UK would be leaving the EU on October 31st come what may, and restated his intention to do so with a deal.

He said that in all scenarios, the Government is steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement and that in no circumstances would there be physical checks or infrastructure on the border.

He also made clear his belief and commitment in the rigorous impartiality set out in the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement, while at the same time reaffirming his determination to strengthen the Union and Northern Ireland’s place within it.

They also discussed what the UK Government could do to support Harland & Wolff and Wrightbus.

Alongside the new Secretary of State Julian Smith, he said he was looking forward to engaging widely and seeing more of this fantastic part of our United Kingdom.”

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Caroline Nokes Sacked From Cabinet

Caroline Nokes has been sacked from the Cabinet by Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister. Nokes had served as the Minister for Immigration, a Cabinet role, since January 2018.

Nokes posted on Twitter:

“It has been an enormous honour to serve in Theresa May’s Government for 3 years. I look forward to returning to the backbenches and championing the issues of Romsey and Southampton North residents. My successor as Immigration Minister undoubtedly has a massive challenge ahead.”

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Mel Stride Sacked From Cabinet

Mel Stride has been sacked from the Cabinet by Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister. Stride had served as the Leader of the Commons since 23 May 2019.

Stride posted on Twitter:

“Huge honour to have served as Lord President and Leader of the House. Looking forward to continuing to support my constituents and our PM from backbenches. Huge thanks to all who supported me so brilliantly during my 5 yrs in govt – in the whips office, HMT and in Leader’s Office.”

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Jeremy Hunt Sacked From Cabinet

Jeremy Hunt
Jeremy Hunt

Jeremy Hunt has been sacked from the Cabinet by Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister. Hunt had served as the Foreign Secretary since 2018.

Hunt posted across four Tweets on Twitter:

I would have been honoured to carry on my work at the FCO but understand the need for a new PM to choose his team. BJ kindly offered me another role but after 9 yrs in Cabinet & over 300 cab mtgs now is the time to return 2 backbenches from where PM will have my full support.

I’ve been a cabinet minister for every hour my 3 gorgeous children have been alive. So whilst it may seem strange for someone who just tried to become PM (& is a terrible cliche) I have decided now is the time for the biggest challenge of all – to be a GOOD DAD!

It has been a huge honour 2 be responsible 4 the finest diplomatic service in the world & 2 see the courage & wisdom of our diplomats & intelligence services. Thanks 4 guiding me with such patience & professionalism! Proud to have stood up alongside you for British values.

Also most importantly heartfelt thanks to the 1/3 of Conservative Party members who supported me. Despite being the outsider, the #HastobeHunt campaign was spirited & smart (if I do say so myself). I was truly humbled with the confidence placed in me by so many people.

 

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David Mundell Sacked From Cabinet

David Mundell has been sacked from the Cabinet by Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister. Mundell had served as the Secretary of State for Scotland since 2015.

Mundell said on Twitter:

“Disappointed but not surprised to be leaving the Scotland Office after 9 years. Will, of course, support the new Government, but as I said to PM this afternoon I will also hold him to account on his commitments to the Union. Hope there’s still room on the backbenches! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧”