Responding to the news that Boris Johnson has been appointed as the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said:

“Key human rights issues that need to be addressed by the new Prime Minister as a matter of urgency include working to resolve Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s case, championing the work of brave human rights defenders globally, empowering women and girls, and helping to reunite refugee families torn apart by conflict and persecution.

“The UK must take a leading role in protecting and promoting human rights at home and around the world. This must include ensuring that human rights standards are maintained as investment deals with new trade partners are agreed after Brexit.

“Mr Johnson must make human rights a priority for the new government.”