'Hasta la vista, baby': Boris Johnson's final address as UK PM

Boris Johnson delivered his final address as UK PM to the British Parliament on Wednesday. Here's what he had to say.

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Boris Johnson | Reuters
Boris Johnson | Reuters

Stay close to Americans and stick up for Ukrainians, said Boris Johnson on Wednesday as he gave his last address to Parliament as the UK prime minister. Johnson, who resigned after multiple scandals and a record number of resignations from his government, bowed out with the words: "Hasta La Vista, baby".

"Stick up for freedom and democracy everywhere. Cut taxes and deregulate wherever you can to make this the greatest place to live and invest," Johnson said, adding that these should be the priority areas for the new PM and new government.

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"I love the Treasury, but remember that if we'd always listened to the Treasury, we wouldn't have built the M25 or the Channel Tunnel. Focus on the road ahead. Focus on the road ahead. But always remember to check the rear-view mirror. And remember, remember. Above all, it's not Twitter that counts," Johnson added, defending his government's track record.

READ | Boris Johnson's 'anyone but Rishi Sunak' posturing as UK PM race heats up

He further added that he helped the Conservative party get the biggest majority in 40 years, which led to a huge realignment in UK politics.

"We've transformed our democracy and restored our national independence. We've helped. I've helped to get this country through a pandemic and helped save another country from barbarism. And frankly, that's enough to go on with. Mission, largely accomplished for now," Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak, whose resignation was the final nail in the coffin of the scandal-hit tenure of Boris Johnson, is currently leading the race to become the next UK PM. However, Johnson has publicly asked his Tory allies to "back anyone but Sunak".