The support provided to Ukraine and NATO will not change after the departure of Britain’s PM Boris Johnson, said Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs.
He said politicians step down from their posts in democratic countries all the time. This happens, he added, when the parliament or majority of political parties believe their leader can no longer remain in charge. The minister also stressed that there are internal political reasons behind Johnson’s decision.
Rinkēvičs said that as minister he cannot and is not allowed to comment on this.
He said Britain has been a long-standing ally to Latvia in recent years. It was welcoming in Latvia’s decision to join NATO and after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
«I’ve had many meetings with British foreign affairs ministers and MPs. I believe the British political system has a widely supportive opinion that NATO should continue and the support for Ukraine should go on,» said Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
«Of course, we need to wait and see who becomes the next British prime minister. But I believe the support for Ukraine and NATO will not change much.»
The minister says he has no doubts Britain’s new government will continue supporting Ukraine and fulfilling its promises when it comes to increasing the contingent of its troops in Estonia and supporting Trans-Atlantic relations.
Rinkēvičs said in his views about Russia and Ukraine, Johnson has been very strict since 2017 and 2018, when the British PM was also temporarily in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
«If I were Moscow, I wouldn’t start celebrating just yet. They drank champagne yesterday, things might turn out in a way that could make them break out vodka instead. I don’t think political support for Ukraine and NATO could change radically, because this policy is widely supported not just in the Conservative Party but in the country in general,» said Rinkēvičs.
On Thursday, 7 July, British PM Boris Johnson announced his decision to step down as leader of the Conservative Party and as Britain’s PM. This decision came after more than 50 members of the government stepped down and many members of his party announced they want him to leave.
Read also: Britain’s Boris Johnson steps down as leader of Conservatives; will remain PM until autumn
The fight for the post of Britain’s PM could take several weeks or even months. Many well-known politicians are expected to compete.
Johnson will remain serving as PM until a replacement has been found. However, his opponents are not happy with this.
In an interview to BBC TV, leader of Liberal Democratic Party Ed Davey said: «I think Conservative MPs got to get rid of him today.»
Johnson, who became PM about three years ago, lost his post due to multiple scandals, including breach of quarantine in Downing Street, excessively expensive renovation of his official residence and for appointing a candidate accused of sexual harassment to a high post.