Intention

Demonstrate resolve and optimism about Brexit and Britain’s future

Boris Johnson became Prime Minister after a year-long deadlock about Brexit, which is why he needs to demonstrate resolve in his first speech as PM. Painting himself as a strong leader, he promises to deliver Brexit at the set deadline: “we are going to restore trust in our democracy and we are going to fulfill the repeated promises of Parliament to the people and come out of the EU on October” (ll. 10-12). 

Johnson took over after Prime Minister Theresa May who failed to deliver a Brexit deal within the original deadline. He distances himself from the former government by explaining were the true danger lies: “it is not the decisions we have taken – it is our refusal to take decisions.” (ll. 85-86) He thereby positions himself as a man of action and a breath of fresh air. 

Johnson also wants to inspire optimism in the British people after years of heated and depressing Brexit debate. He does that in several ways. One of the most prominent ones is his mention of Britain’s strength in several fields (e.g. ll. 50-51) as well as Britian’s proud history (e.g. ll. 108-111). He also appeals to the past unity of the British countries and Britain’s ...