THE KEY POSITIONS OF BREXITEER, NEW UK CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER AND PRIME MINISTER-DESIGNATE BORIS JOHNSON
- On the US-Iran conflict:
Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking "increasingly frail" and ways need to be found to constrain Iran's "disruptive behaviour", engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons program is the right way forward. He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump's more hardline approach.
- On unrest in Hong Kong:
Johnson said the people of Hong Kong were "within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious" about the now-jettisoned extradition bill which has sparked weeks of mass protests.
- On Chinese telecom giant Huawei:
A final decision on whether to include China's Huawei in Britain's 5G telecoms network has been stalled by Theresa May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain's national security infrastructure.
- On the "special relationship" with the United States:
Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the US and is reportedly considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership. During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist. His reluctance to antagonise Trump was evident this month when he failed to defend Britain's ambassador to Washington after diplomatic memos in which Kim Darroch described Trump's administration as "inept" were leaked.
- On UK economic policy:
Johnson has vowed to spend billions of pounds on public services, infrastructure and tax cuts, including promises to increase spending on education, transport, broadband and police and end a public sector pay freeze. He is reportedly preparing an emergency budget including aggressive tax cuts, an overhaul of the stamp duty property tax and an assault on regulation.
Australian Associated Press
