Leaving the EU, Britain declares itself a confident, outward-looking nation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Photo: Theweek.co.uk

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on August 23 pledged to build an "international and outward-looking" Britain when the country leaves the European Union (EU) after more than 40 years of membership.

Speaking ahead of the 45th G7 Summit, Prime Minister Johnson stressed: "My message to G7 leaders this week is that the Britain I lead will be an international, confident and outward-looking nation."

Prime Minister Johnson has always insisted that Britain will leave the EU on October 31, with or without a deal. However, he has expressed confidence that a deal will be reached, and called for "let Brexit be completed in a sensible and pragmatic way that is in the interests of both sides."

He also stressed that whether or not a deal is reached, it must ensure that Britain's exit from the EU will be smooth and cause the least damage.

On the controversial "backstop" clause, the British leader said solutions were "always available" to avoid setting up customs checkpoints at the border between EU member Ireland and the British territory of Northern Ireland.

British businesses fear a "disorderly divorce" from the EU and its single market of 500 million people could damage international trade and weaken the UK economy. However, Prime Minister Johnson has insisted that predictions that Britain would face economic hardship and diplomatic isolation after Brexit were "gravely mistaken."

“Britain will never shrink from the special responsibilities of being a pillar and architect of the international system,” he stressed. “We will remain at the heart of alliances around the world.”

At the 45th G7 summit taking place from August 24 to 26 in the coastal city of Biarritz, southwest France, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump, European Council President Donald Tusk and many other world leaders./.