Oral Answers to Questions

Douglas Carswell Excerpts

Tuesday 21st February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Boris Johnson]

I certainly agree with that, and those negotiations should take place as fast as possible and without preconditions.

[Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (UKIP)]

With Iran testing missiles, Russia plotting coups and North Korea murdering dissidents, does the Foreign Secretary agree that now is the time to renew western resolve and leadership, which has sometimes been lacking during the past eight years?

[Boris Johnson]

I completely agree. One of the interesting phenomena of the global reaction to the new US President is how much it is at variance with some of the commentary I have heard from the Opposition Benches this morning. When I go around the world, I find that many people in foreign ministries and other Governments are hopeful that they will see American leadership again where it has been lacking. They are particularly encouraged by the role of the United Kingdom in helping to transmit and improve American policy.