Advice for successor and a bit of chest-thumping: Boris Johnson’s last Parliament speech as UK PM

Updated : Jul 24, 2022 19:03
|
AP

Outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held his last Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

He opened his statement on a lighter note amid earlier calls from some lawmakers for him to step down with an immediate effect when he announced his resignation.

"Last week I told the House that last week was possibly my last PMQs. This week, Mr. Speaker, probably, certainly will be my last PMQs from this dispatch box or any other dispatch box," he said.

A number of Conservative lawmakers thanked Johnson for his time in office listing some of his achievements, while the head of the opposition and the Scottish National Party's Westminster leader pointed to the state of the UK economy, which is on the brink of a recession, as Johnson leaves his post.

Johnson said he wasn't following the Tory party's leadership contest and in his closing remarks he gave advice to whoever will suceed him.

"Number one, stay close to the Americans. Stick up for the Ukrainians. Stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere. Cut taxes and deregulate wherever you can to make this the greatest place to live and invest, which it is," he said.

Also watch: 'Back anyone but Rishi Sunak': Boris Johnson tells allies

The embattled British prime minister defended his acomplisments and called his time as the head of the UK government as "mission largely accomplished".

"I want to thank everybody here and hasta la vista, baby. Thank you," Johnson said at the end as he recieved a standing ovation in The House of Commons before leaving the chamber.

Boris JohnsonUnited Kingdom

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