How did Liz Truss enter the UK political system?
What were the positions of Liz Truss about Brexit?
How do political experts interpret the retention of Ben Wallace as the British Secretary of Defense?
What will be the foreign policy of the UK towards China and Russia during the prime minister of Liz Truss?
Liz Truss continues Boris Johnson’s policies. Queen Elizabeth II officially introduced 47-year-old Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. By retaining the former defence secretary and appointing the former deputy of the foreign secretary as the head of the diplomatic apparatus, the new UK prime minister showed that, at least at the beginning of her prime ministership, she had no plans to change the government’s foreign and defence policy.
How Liz Truss entered the British political system
Many believe that Liz Truss continues Boris Johnson’s policies. Liz Truss, the new leader of the British Conservative Party, who officially succeeded Boris Johnson as the country’s prime minister a few days ago, has a history of working at the head of several ministries over the past decade. Truss supported the Liberal Democratic Party and the establishment of the republican system in her youth. However, he became a member of the Conservative Party in the following years. He rose through the ranks in the Conservative governments of British Prime Ministers David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson.
Liz Truss’s position on Brexit
The fact that Liz Truss continues Boris Johnson’s policies have weakened her political position. Although he supported the UK’s survival in the EU during the Brexit referendum campaign, she became one of the staunch supporters of Brexit after most British people voted to leave the EU. Boris Johnson’s successor as British Prime Minister has two daughters. She went to great lengths to protect her private life after revealing her extramarital affair with a Conservative MP between 2004 and 2005. Because of this, Liz Truss rarely publicly appears with her husband and daughters.
Retaining Ben Wallace as the Secretary of Defense
In the field of defence, Liz Truss continues Boris Johnson’s policies. Liz Truss announced the new members of the government hours after entering the house of number 10 Downing Street. But among the new faces, Ben Wallace was the only option retained in his position as the Secretary of Defense. He was appointed to this position three years ago by Boris Johnson, and in recent months, he has played an active role in the field of military cooperation with Ukraine after the start of the war in this country.
Ben Wallace’s chance to become PM
Wallace is one of the few figures who continued to work during the mass resignation of Boris Johnson’s government ministers last July. According to the results of the polls, he had a high chance of taking over the position of prime minister. He distanced himself from participating in the elections and announced that he would prefer to continue trying to maintain the country’s security.
No change in British foreign policy
James Cleverly’s positions show that Liz Truss continues Boris Johnson’s policies. Cleverly says that the parts of the new and former governments are not much different in foreign policy. In a conversation about the developments in Ukraine, he said: “We have to stand firm in our support to President (Volodymyr) Zelenskiy and the people of Ukraine; we have to do that. And I have no doubt we will continue to be as firm friends now as we have been under Boris Johnson.”
Continuation of Boris Johnson’s foreign policy regarding Russia
Truss will continue Boris Johnson’s approach to Russia. But the economic weakness of the UK will not allow this country to receive generous financial and logistical assistance from Ukraine. Boris Johnson’s government commitments to Zelenskiy will face serious problems, and it seems they will not be realized in the current period.
UK foreign policy towards China
The new government’s approach towards China has not changed, and London’s critical stance against Beijing continues, according to Cleverly. Also, Truss will maintain the special relationship between UK and US, and the leaders of the two countries will continue to face common challenges.
Brexit and foreign policy Liz Truss
The UK will not violate Brexit. Liz Truss continues Boris Johnson’s policies. Johnson said in his last speech that we are proud to be the children of Brexit. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Truss will want to go against Boris Johnson’s policies.
The Truss Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol
Truss has gone beyond its strictures on the Northern Ireland protocol, hinting it could trigger Article 16, the emergency procedure clause in the post-Brexit deal with the EU, within days of reaching No.10. Of course, with the many crises she’s faced since the end of the election campaign, Britain’s new prime minister may decide that launching a potential trade war isn’t exactly what he needs.
Truss, who served as secretary of state in the Johnson government, has promised to announce more help to protect consumers against inflation within a week of taking office. UK industry is increasingly optimistic that the new prime minister will back plans to halt the rise in the maximum price of gas and electricity, which is set every three months. Liz Truss is one of Johnson’s most loyal politicians and is expected to continue his policies.
