The new PM tells MPs that failing to leave the EU on 31 October will cause a “catastrophic loss of confidence” amongst the public.
Boris Johnson has told MPs “today is the first day of a new approach” towards Brexit in his first appearance in the House of Commons as prime minister.
The new Conservative Party leader repeated his “absolute commitment” to the UK leaving the EU on 31 October, saying he would push ahead with Brexit on Halloween “whatever the circumstances”.
The prime minister told MPs that failing to abide by the latest Brexit deadline would see a “catastrophic loss of confidence” amongst the public.
“It will leave the British people wondering whether their politicians could ever be trusted again to follow a clear democratic instruction,” he said.
Commenting on his new government’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit – to be overseen by his former Vote Leave colleague Michael Gove – Mr Johnson said they would be “about grasping the opportunities” for Britain’s future and “not just about technical preparations”.
Raising the prospect of a no-deal Brexit budget, the prime minister said his government will “prepare an economic package to boost British business”.
He said the UK was “better prepared” for a no-deal Brexit “than many believe”.
In a bid to demonstrate his seriousness to the UK leaving the EU in less than 100 days, Mr Johnson announced the UK would not nominate a new EU commissioner.
The bloc is due to change its top-level officials on 1 November.
Mr Johnson said: “Our national participation in the European Union is coming to an end. This reality needs to be recognised by all parties.”
