Boris Johnson, messed up his tenure as Prime Minister and is partly responsible the Conservative party's spectacularly low poll ratings.
Let's take a look at his achievements, which show him as long on ambition but short on execution.
1. Brexit
Johnson led the UK out of the European Union, fulfilling his pledge to "get Brexit done." The UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, and he secured a last-minute trade deal that came into effect on January 1, 2021.*
2. COVID-19 Rollout
His government oversaw one of the fastest COVID-19 vaccine rollouts globally, with the UK being one of the first countries to start vaccinating its population in December 2020. But then we had Partygate, which cost him the premiership when it was discovered he and his staff mocking the lockdowns by partying together after hours inhis back garden.
3. **Establishing the UK Infrastructure Bank**: In 2021, he announced the creation of a new UK Infrastructure Bank to fund public and private sector projects aimed at supporting the economy and promoting sustainable growth.
4. **Net Zero Strategy**: Johnson committed the UK to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and his government released a comprehensive plan outlining how it intended to meet this goal, emphasizing green energy and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
5. **Hosted COP26**: Under his leadership, the UK hosted the COP26 UN climate summit in Glasgow in 2021, playing a significant role in international discussions on tackling climate change.
6. **"Levelling Up" Agenda**: He promoted the "levelling up" agenda aimed at addressing regional inequalities across the UK by investing in underdeveloped areas, though the effectiveness and impact of these policies are subject to debate.
7. **Global Britain Agenda**: Johnson advocated for the "Global Britain" agenda, aiming to position the UK as a significant and independent player on the world stage post-Brexit, seeking new trade deals and international partnerships.
8. **NHS Funding**: His government pledged significant extra funding for the National Health Service (NHS), although critics argue about the adequacy and delivery of these funds.
9. **Immigration System Overhaul**: He presided over the introduction of a new points-based immigration system post-Brexit, designed to control and reduce unskilled migration and prioritize skilled workers.
10. **COVID-19 Response**: Apart from the vaccine rollout, his government implemented various measures to combat the pandemic, including lockdowns and financial support schemes like the furlough scheme to protect jobs and support businesses, though his handling of the pandemic received mixed reviews.
It's important to note that while these can be seen as achievements, many of them are also subject to criticism regarding their execution, effectiveness, and long-term impact. The tenure of Boris Johnson was marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic issues, and political controversies.
* The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which came into effect provisionally from January 1, 2021, encompasses several key aspects. Three significant terms of this agreement include:
1. **Zero Tariffs and Quotas**: The agreement ensures zero tariffs and zero quotas on all goods that meet the appropriate rules of origin, facilitating seamless trade between the EU and the UK [[❞]](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en).
2. **Level Playing Field**: It commits both parties to maintain high levels of protection in crucial areas such as environmental protection, climate change combat, labor and social standards, ensuring fair competition and sustainable development. The agreement includes mechanisms for domestic enforcement, dispute settlement, and the possibility for remedial measures [[❞]](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en).
3. **Fisheries**: A new framework was agreed upon for the joint management of fish stocks, balancing the development of the UK’s fishing activities with the protection of European fishing communities and the conservation of marine resources [[❞]](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en).
For a detailed understanding of the agreement, you can explore the official documents available on the European Commission's website [[❞]](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/relations-non-eu-countries/relations-united-kingdom/eu-uk-trade-and-cooperation-agreement_en) and the UK government's portal [[❞]](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukeu-and-eaec-trade-and-cooperation-agreement-ts-no82021). These sources provide comprehensive insights into the full range of topics covered by the agreement, including not just trade but also areas like security, energy, and social security coordination.
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