After UK election win, Boris Johnson calls for closure, healing and a ‘break from Brexit’
- ‘New partnership’ with Europe a priority for coming year, PM says in post-win speech
- Conservatives secured stunning victory at polls, giving them 80-seat majority
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday called on Britain to move on from Brexit, after a resounding general election win that allows him to push his divorce deal with the EU through parliament.
“I urge everyone to find closure and let the healing begin,” he said outside 10 Downing Street after the final result was confirmed, giving his Conservatives an 80-seat majority in the 650-seat House of Commons.
The main opposition Labour Party, which slumped to its worst election showing since the 1930s, blamed “Brexit fatigue” for the result.
Johnson also recognised the effects on the public of more than three years of political deadlock and deepening division, after the landmark 2016 referendum on EU membership.
He called Thursday’s election to secure a parliamentary majority to enable him to take Britain out of the EU by the latest deadline of January 31 next year.
“After five weeks, frankly, of electioneering, this country deserves a break from wrangling, a break from politics, and a permanent break from talking about Brexit,” he said.