Boris Johnson: Our mission is to make the UK the greatest place on earth

Boris Johnson used his first Commons statement as Prime Minister to set a promise of making the UK the "greatest place on earth" by 2050.

"Our mission is to deliver Brexit on October 31 for the purpose of uniting and re-energising our great United Kingdom and making this country the greatest place on earth," he said.

"And when I say the greatest place on earth, I'm conscious that some may accuse me of hyperbole, but it's useful to imagine the trajectory on which we could now be embarked.

"By 2050 it's more than possible that the United Kingdom will be the greatest and most prosperous economy in Europe at the centre of a new network of trade deals which we have pioneered."

Infrastructure investment, high-speed broadband, free ports and "unleashing the productive power" of the whole UK were ways he would deliver his vision, Mr Johnson said.

On Brexit, Mr Johnson insisted the UK must exit the EU by October 31, stating: "I, and all ministers, are committed to leaving on this date. Whatever the circumstances.

"To do otherwise would cause a catastrophic loss of confidence in our political system.

"It would leave the British people wondering whether their politicians could ever be trusted again to follow a clear democratic instruction."

The PM said: "I would prefer us to leave the EU with a deal – I would much prefer it.

"I believe that it is possible even at this late stage and I will work flat out to make it happen.

"But certain things need to be clear.

"The Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by my predecessor has been three times rejected by this House.

"Its terms are unacceptable to this Parliament and to this country."

Mr Johnson recommitted as PM to guaranteeing the right of EU nationals in the UK after Brexit.

He praised the "diversity, the talent and the skills of our workforce".

"I want, therefore, to repeat unequivocally our guarantee to the 3.2 million EU nationals now living and working among us," he said.

"I thank them for their contribution to our society and for their patience, and I can assure them that under this Government they will have the absolute certainty for the right to live and remain."

Mr Johnson said: "No country that values its independence, and, indeed, its self respect, could agree to a treaty which signed away our economic independence and self government as this backstop does.

"A time limit is not enough if an agreement is to be reached it must be clearly understood that the way to the deal goes by way of the abolition of the backstop."