Expulsion of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not affect relations with Canada, trade negotiations

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Ottawa-The Government of Canada has stated that it is a normal deal with Britain, despite the dramatic expulsion of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson by the party.

Canada’s Ministry of International Relations and Department for International Trade said Thursday that relations with Britain remained strong, suggesting that the fall of the British Prime Minister would not affect Canada’s negotiations on important free trade agreements.

“Britain’s political development is certainly significant now,” said Ralph Gudale, Canada’s High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, but Canada has “fundamental confidence” in the power and function of Britain’s democracy. There is.

“Canada and the United Kingdom have a large, multifaceted, mature and durable relationship,” he said. “Our common priorities do not rely on personal considerations. Important factors such as free trade negotiations, support for Ukraine, deeper security and intelligence partnerships, and the fight against climate change. The file will continue to evolve as planned. “

His remarks were made during the high drama in Westminster, where Boris Johnson was banished as prime minister for a term of only three years.

In a statement outside Downing Street on Thursday, Mr Johnson said he would normally appear disturbed and would resign as prime minister when a replacement was found.

The announcement continued 24 hours after the turbulence, and he tried to stick to power despite a series of conservative lawmakers’ demands that he was no longer suitable for service.

Dozens of ministers resigned on Wednesday to resign him. However, the embarrassed Johnson settled in Downing Street, and he hurriedly replaced the ministers to fill the gap until he admitted that his position could no longer be supported.

“It hurts” to not see the political project he started, Johnson said in his resignation speech Thursday, but said in Westminster that “the instinct of the flock is strong and it moves when the flock moves.”

When a candidate for Johnson’s successor rushed to gather support in Westminster, Ottawa’s minister emphasized that the political turmoil in London would not affect relations between Britain and Canada.

A spokesman for International Trade Minister Mary Ng said negotiations on a new trade agreement will continue smoothly as Canada and the United Kingdom share a long history and close ties.

“Canada and the United Kingdom share a long history and deepen the bond between people,” said Alice Hansen. “I am confident that trade negotiations will continue to go smoothly.”

After seeing Britain’s departure from the European Union, Johnson defended a closer relationship with Canada, including trade, following Brexit.

When Britain broke its ties with the European Union, it also ended its accession to Canada and the European Union’s comprehensive economic and trade agreement. The two countries have signed a continuation agreement that will maintain most of the elements while a new bilateral trade agreement is being signed.

Official negotiations on a free trade agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom began in March. The United Kingdom is Canada’s third largest export destination after the United States and China.

Sabrina Williams, spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, said the United Kingdom is one of Canada’s closest and most important allies. She said the two countries have “a strong, mutually beneficial relationship and a long tradition of close and strategic partnerships.”

However, in Ottawa, some uncertainty can arise as to whether Britain’s firm stance in supporting Ukraine (including the supply of military equipment) will continue at the same pace in London’s political turmoil. ..

Johnson has opposed the invasion of Ukraine and has worked with Canada and other Western countries to impose sanctions and counter disinformation campaigns from Russia.

While he was Prime Minister, the United Kingdom has also supported enhanced security and surveillance of the Arctic Circle to protect Canada’s northern sovereignty.

Johnson refused to leave Downing Street last month, despite slightly surviving a vote of no confidence and losing 41% of Tory lawmakers’ support.

Attempts to oust him followed a series of scandals, including a revelation that a party was held in Downing Street, at the height of the pandemic, in violation of COVID-19 rules.

Canadian press

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