Many world leaders have reacted to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to resign as leader of his Conservative Party on Thursday July 7, paving the way for the arrival of a new head of government.
The United States said it would continue its “close cooperation” with Britain, including joint support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. “The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement.
“I look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the UK government,” he added, including “maintaining a strong and united approach to support the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against the brutal war in Putin against his democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions.”
After years of strained relations with Britain, the EU sees hope for an improvement following the resignation of Brexit champion Boris Johnson, but mistrust persists.
The European Commission has publicly dodged comments about the political upheaval in the UK, but other figures in Brussels’ orbit have let loose. “Boris Johnson’s departure opens a new page in relations with Britain,” tweeted Michel Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator. “May she be more constructive, more respectful of the commitments made, particularly with regard to peace and stability in Northern Ireland, and more friendly with EU partners. Because there is so much more to do together. »
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Boris Johnson’s decision to step down was “an opportunity” to ease relations. Mr Martin added that ties between Dublin and London had been “strained and questioned of late”, not least because of differences over special post-Brexit trade deals in Northern Ireland.
“We now have an opportunity to return to the true spirit of partnership and mutual respect that is necessary to underpin the gains of the Good Friday Agreement,” Martin said in a statement. The 1998 peace accords ended decades of bloodshed over British rule in Northern Ireland, but had been strained by Brexit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky phoned Boris Johnson to express his “sadness”, kyiv said. “We all greet this news with sadness. Not only me, but also the whole Ukrainian society who sympathizes very much with you,” the presidency said, quoting Mr. Zelensky, and reiterating how grateful Ukrainians have been for the support of the British Prime Minister since the Russian invasion. Mr. Johnson was considered one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine in the West.
The Kremlin has said it hopes “more professionals” will come to power in Britain. “We would like to hope that one day in Britain more professional people who can make decisions through dialogue will come to power,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. “But at the moment there is little hope for that. »
