Many leaders around the world reacted after 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.
UNITED STATES
The United States has declared that it will continue its “close cooperation” with Britain, including their 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, in particular “maintaining a strong and united approach to support the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal war on their democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions”.
European Union
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. “The departure of Boris Johnson opens a new page in relations with Great Britain”, tweeted Michel Barnier, the former chief EU negotiator for Brexit. “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. »
Ireland
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Boris Johnson’s decision to step down was ” an opportunity “ to relax relationships. Mr Martin added that links between Dublin and London had been “tense and questioned lately”not least because of the differences over the special post-Brexit trade agreements in Northern Ireland.
“We now have an opportunity to return to the true spirit of partnership and mutual respect that is needed 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.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky phoned Boris Johnson to express his “sadness”kyiv said. “We all welcome this news with sadness. Not only me, but also the whole Ukrainian society which sympathizes very much with you”, said the presidency, quoting Mr Zelensky, and reiterating how grateful Ukrainians were 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.
Russia
The Kremlin said it hoped “more professionals” would 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”said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “But at the moment there is little hope for that. »