Everything Liz Truss said in her first speech as Prime Minister
06.09.2022 - 19:59
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Liz Truss made her first speech as Prime Minister at Downing Street on Tuesday (September 6). Beneath stormy skies, she waved to the large crowd of journalists poised for the address in the drizzle while dozens of Tory MPs erupted into applause as she approached the lectern.
The new Prime Minister began her speech by saying she was honoured to take on the role “at a vital time for our country" and paid tribute to former PM Boris Johnson. She said: “Boris Johnson delivered Brexit, the Covid vaccine and stood up to Russian aggression. History will see him as a hugely consequential prime minister.
“I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at a vital time for our country.” She continued: "We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation, with high paying jobs, safe streets, and where everyone, everywhere has opportunities.
Read more:'That's it folks...' everything Boris Johnson said as he gives final speech outside Downing Street
"I will take action this day and every day to make it happen." Truss added that the 'fundamental belief in freedom, enterprise and fair play' is what makes the UK 'great'.
She said: "The British public has shown grit, courage and determination time and time again and we now face the global headwinds caused by the war in Ukraine and Covid". Truss set out her three early priorities, as she said Britain 'has what it takes' to face challenges today.
She said she aims to 'get Britain working again' by improving productivity, 'deal hands on with the energy crisis' with action in the coming weeks and 'put our health service on a firm footing' by making sure people can get doctors appointments and treatments they need.
Truss said: “As Prime Minister, I will pursue three early priorities. Firstly, I