LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 11: British Home Secretary Theresa May arrives to make a statement surrounded by members of the Tory party after Andrea Leadsom pulled out of the contest to become Conservative Party leader. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
The UK reaction to Mugabe leaving: Theresa May and Boris have their say
The UK Prime Minister has said Zimbabwe has a chance of a future "free of oppression". Boris Johnson has also chimed in with his thoughts.
by Nic Andersen
While Southern Africa was caught up in the celebrations last night over the resignation of Robert Mugabe, the rest of the world was having their say. The UK was no exception to this as Prime Minister Theresa May quickly released a statement.
Like the rest of the world, May was delighted with the news. She said the resignation had provided Zimbabwe with "an opportunity to forge a new path free of the oppression that characterised his rule".
"In recent days, we have seen the desire of the Zimbabwean people for free and fair elections and the opportunity to rebuild the country's economy under a legitimate government."
"As Zimbabwe's oldest friend, we will do all we can to support this, working with our international and regional partners to help the country achieve the brighter future it so deserves."
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was also pressed on Zimbabwe in the House of Commons. He went as far as saying he supports the idea of Zimbabwe re-joining the commonwealth.
First, though, Johnson said the country would have to prove their commitment to issues such as human rights. He was answering a question from conservative former minister Sir Hugo Swire.
"He rightly sets out what I think would be a fine and noble aspiration, both for the Commonwealth and for Zimbabwe.
"But of course, I must caution him that several steps need to be gone through before that can happen.
"There must be free and fair elections next year, it then falls to Zimbabwe to apply to the Commonwealth Secretariat and then to make clear to the Commonwealth and to the world that Zimbabwe fulfils the criteria on human rights, on rule of law, on democracy, that are necessary for Commonwealth membership."
In a later statement after Mugabe's resignation was confirmed, Johnson said he would "not pretend to regret Mugabe's downfall. He also called the country full of potential.
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