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Prime Minister Meets With Russian and French Leaders

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has today met with Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, and Emmanuel Macron, the French President, during the Libya conference currently being held in Berlin.

On the meeting with Macron, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said:

“The Prime Minister met President Macron in the margins of the Berlin Conference on Libya. The Prime Minister and President discussed the ongoing conflict in Libya. The Prime Minister stressed the need to bring an end to the fighting and for all parties to support peace talks to determine a way forward for the Libyan people.

On Iran, the leaders reiterated their commitment to the JCPoA and also acknowledged the need to define a long-term framework to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. They agreed on the importance of de-escalation and of working with international partners to find a diplomatic way through the current tensions.”

The spokesperson added with regards to the Russian meeting:

“The Prime Minister met President Putin in the margins of the Berlin Conference on Libya.

He was clear there had been no change in the UK’s position on Salisbury, which was a reckless use of chemical weapons and a brazen attempt to murder innocent people on UK soil. He said that such an attack must not be repeated.

The Prime Minister said that they both had a responsibility to address issues of international security including Libya, Syria, Iraq and Iran. The Prime Minister said there will be no normalisation of our bilateral relationship until Russia ends the destabilising activity that threatens the UK and our allies and undermines the safety of our citizens and our collective security.”

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Prime Minister Speaks to Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken by phone to Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, to discuss matters of interest to the two nations.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said in a statement:

“The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need for continued engagement and dialogue to deescalate tensions.

They committed to working together to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including by agreeing an ambitious free trade deal after the UK leaves the EU.

Finally the leaders underlined the importance of our ongoing cooperation to tackle climate change, ahead of COP26 in Glasgow later this year.”

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Boris Johnson Talks to German Chancellor

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken today on the phone to Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor. In the call they discussed matters including Brexit, international trade, security and Iran.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said in a statement:

“On Iran, they discussed the tragic loss of life on the Ukraine International Airlines passenger jet. They condemned Iran’s arrest of the UK Ambassador to Tehran as a violation of international law.

The leaders also discussed our shared interests in ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, and reaffirmed their continued commitment to preserving the JCPoA. The leaders also discussed Libya and the importance of continued dialogue with international and regional partners to reduce tensions and encourage support for the UN-led process.”

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Prime Minister Meets with EU Commission President

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has today met with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. They discussed matters including the current situation in Iran and Iraq, as well as the ongoing Brexit situation.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“They discussed the situation in Iraq, agreeing on the importance of Coalition forces being able to continue their vital work countering the shared threat from Daesh.

On Brexit, the PM stressed that his immediate priority was to implement the Withdrawal Agreement by January 31. They discussed the progress of ratification in the UK and in the European Parliament. He said the UK wanted a positive new UK and EU partnership, based on friendly cooperation, our shared history, interests and values. The PM reiterated that we wanted a broad free trade agreement covering goods and services, and cooperation in other areas.

The PM was clear that the UK would not extend the Implementation Period beyond 31 December 2020; and that any future partnership must not involve any kind of alignment or ECJ jurisdiction. He said the UK would also maintain control of UK fishing waters and our immigration system.

The PM made clear that we would continue to ensure high standards in the UK in areas like workers’ rights, animal welfare, agriculture and the environment. The PM said the UK was ready to start negotiations on the future partnership and Canada-style FTA as soon as possible after January 31.”

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Prime Minister Calls for De-Escalation in Iran

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has issued a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany on the current situation in Iran. His announcement comes after the threat of violence and military action by Iran and the United States increased.

Johnson and the other leaders said:

“We have condemned the recent attacks on coalitions forces in Iraq and are gravely concerned by the negative role Iran has played in the region, including through the IRGC and the Al-Qods force under the command of General Soleimani.

There is now an urgent need for de-escalation. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility. The current cycle of violence in Iraq must be stopped.”

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Prime Minister Speaks to President Erdogan of Turkey

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken to President Erdogan of Turkey during a phone call. The Turkish President congratulated Johnson on his election victory and matters of interest between the two nations were discussed.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“They committed to continue to work together as NATO allies to build on the important relationship between the UK and Turkey, in areas such as trade and investment, security and defence and counter-terrorism.

The leaders also discussed regional issues. On Libya, they agreed on the need for a Libyan-owned political process, facilitated by the UN and supported by the Berlin Format.

On Syria, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of a UN needs assessment as the basis for getting aid to those who need it – as agreed in London earlier this month.”

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Prime Minister Speaks to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has spoken by phone to Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, for the first time since his party’s General Election win last week.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said:

“The Prime Minister spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who congratulated him on the result of the General Election.

They agreed to continue to work closely together as Commonwealth partners on issues such as girls’ education, climate change and trade.”

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Boris Johnson Makes Minor Changes to Cabinet

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has made minor changes to the Cabinet today, with a further and more extensive reshuffle expected in February.

Nicky Morgan, who is no longer an MP, will continue to hold the position of cabinet role of Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, but will be elevated to the Peerage.

Simon Hart, the Conservative MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has been promoted to the role of Secretary of State for Wales. He replaces Alun Cairns, who stood down from his role in early November 2019.

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Conservative Party Sweep to Victory as Labour Suffer Historic Defeat

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, has led the Conservative Party to a comfortable victory at the General Election. Labour suffered an historic defeat, whilst the SNP made significant gains in Scotland.

The Conservatives won 364 seats, Labour 203 seats, the SNP 48 seats, the Liberal Democrats 11 seats, the DUP 8 seats, Sinn Fein 7 seats and Plaid Cymru 4 seats.

Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, confirmed he wouldn’t lead the party into another General Election and Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrats, also stood down after losing her seat to the SNP.

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Ed Vaizey Stands Down from the House of Commons

Ed Vaizey, the Conservative MP for Wantage, has confirmed that he will not be standing at the 2019 General Election. Vaizey had lost the party whip in September 2019 when he voted against the Government on a Brexit vote, but the whip had been restored and it had been thought that he would stand again.

Vaizey said in his resignation letter to Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister:

“I believe now is the right time to move on because I am passionate about the arts, our creative industries and technology and I want to specialise in these sectors. They will, I believe, play an ever more important role in our national life and it is here that I want to focus my energies.”

He added:

“Let me make one thing clear. I am and will remain an enthusiastic supporter of you as our Prime Minister.”