New Prime Minister Liz Truss said the UK would “ride out the storm” as she prepared a multibillion-pound package to help Britons cope with soaring energy costs. In her first speech in the role, she acknowledged the economic headwinds facing the country but promised action this week to help with energy bills.
Speaking in Downing Street, she said: “I’m confident that together we can ride out the storm, we can rebuild our economy and we can become the modern brilliant Britain that I know we can be. This is our vital mission to ensure opportunity and prosperity for all people and future generations. I’m determined to deliver.”
Mc Truss also paid tribute to Boris Johnson and said she was honoured to take over the responsibility at a “vital time” for the UK. Speaking outside No 10 Downing Street after the downpours of rain abated, 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.”
Hugh O’Leary, the husband of Ms Truss, stood behind her near the door to Number 10 as she delivered her speech.
The new Prime Minister said the country needs to build “roads, homes and broadband faster” with more investment in towns and cities across the country.
“I know that we have to tackle those challenges. Of course it won’t be easy but we can do it. We will transform Britain into an aspiration nation,” she said. “I will take action this day and every day to make it happen.”`
Ms Truss promised to pursue three early priorities as Prime Minister: Tax cuts and reforms, deal with soaring energy bills and securing the energy supply, and also put the NHS “on a firm footing”. She said: “As Prime Minister, I will pursue three early priorities. Firstly, I will get Britain working again. I have a bold plan to grow the economy through tax cuts and reform.
“I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment. I will drive reform in my mission to get the United Kingdom working, building and growing. We will get spades in the ground to make sure people are not facing unaffordable energy bills and we will also make sure that we are building hospitals, schools, roads and broadband.
On her second and third immediate priorities, Liz Truss said: “Secondly, I will deal hands-on with the energy crisis caused by Putin’s war. I will take action this week to deal with energy bills and to secure our future energy supply.
“Thirdly, I will make sure that people can get doctor’s appointments and the NHS services they need. We will put our health service on a firm footing. By delivering on the economy, on energy and on the NHS, we will put our nation on the path to long-term success”.
