Boris Johnson claims there is a decade of ‘opportunity’ ahead after January 31st

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his New Year's message. Photograph: PM's Office/PA. - Credit: PA

Boris Johnson has claimed there will be a decade of ‘opportunity’ after his Brexit deal is passed on January 31st.

In his New Year message, the prime minister said that with the UK set to leave the EU on January 31, the Government could look to address other priorities.

“As we say goodbye to 2019 we can also turn the page on the division, rancour and uncertainty which has dominated public life and held us back for far too long,” he said.

“We can start a new chapter in the history of our country, in which we come together and move forward united, unleashing the enormous potential of the British people.”

Johnson, who is spending New Year with his girlfriend Carrie Symonds on the private island of Mustique in the Caribbean, said the “first item” on his agenda remained his commitment to take Britain out of the EU by the end of January.

At the same time, he said that he was determined to be a “prime minister for everyone”, including the millions who backed Remain or did not vote Conservative in the general election.

“If you are one of them, I want to reassure you that I will be a prime minister for everyone, not just those who voted for me,” he said.

“I know that you love this country no less, simply because you voted for another party or wanted to Remain.

“More than that, I want to work with you, as friends and equals, as we build the future this United Kingdom deserves.

“So let’s together make the 2020s a decade of prosperity and opportunity.”