PM Boris Johnson says he will prove ‘doubters and doomers’ wrong on Brexit amidst resignations

NEW PM: Johnson entered 10 Downing Street this afternoon. Credit UK Prime Minister, via Twitter

BORIS JOHNSON has said he will take Britain out of the EU by October 31 and prove ‘doubters and doomers’ wrong in his first speech as prime minister.

Johnson, who spoke outside 10 Downing Street after formally being appointed prime minister by the Queen this afternoon (Wednesday), said the 2016 referendum result now had to be honoured.

His appointment and speech come as several government ministers including Chancellor Phillip Hammond, Business Secretary Greg Clark, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and other senior ministers resigned.

Johnson said he would do a better deal with the EU than his predecessor Theresa May. He added Britain would be prepared to face a no deal in the ‘unlikely event’ Brussels refuses to compromise further on the terms of Brexit.

EU Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyer previously said Brussels would stand by the existing draft withdrawal deal.

“The British people have had enough of waiting. We will come out of the EU on October 31,” Johnson said.

The new prime minister said he wanted to stay on the friendliest terms possible with the EU. He also said EU citizens would be allowed to stay in Britain.

Johnson is now expected to name his pick for cabinet and ministerial positions. He will spend little time in parliament this week as the House of Commons goes on summer recess tomorrow (Thursday) and is not due to sit until Tuesday September 3.

Johnson’s speech follows Theresa May’s final address to the country as prime minister from outside 10 Downing Street earlier this afternoon.

May called on Johnson to negotiate a Brexit deal which works for the whole of Britain.

She thanked the British people for putting their faith in her and giving her ‘the chance to serve’.

“This is a country of aspiration and opportunity and I hope that every young girl who has seen a woman prime minister now knows for sure that there are no limits to what they can achieve,” May said.

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Joe Gerrard

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