Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised the “Judeo-Christian tradition” and “classical liberal” values that he said shaped the West in his first international address Monday.
Johnson almost addressed the inaugural conference of the Alliance For Responsible Citizenship (ARC) in London. In his remarks, Johnson outlined four questions he uses to shape an “optimistic vision” for the country and the world.
He called on the audience to consider, “How do we restore good governance and restore faith in our institutions,” how to “refocus on the family and strengthen the social fabric that binds us all together,” with “the best way to deliver reliable and affordable energy” and finally: “how do we sell the idea that the best answers to these questions are the keys to broader human development around the world?”
“The answers to these and other key questions will form our optimistic view, and what we call the better story,” he said.
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![Mike Johnson](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1200/675/GettyImages-1746072258.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Speaker Mike Johnson’s first international speech was a virtual address to the Alliance For Responsible Citizenship in London. (Getty Images)
Johnson cited “unprecedented times” at home and abroad – including “political divisions” in the US and an “identity crisis” in the western world as a whole.
He pointed to global instability with Hamas attacks on Israel, China’s growing aggression in Taiwan and its neighbors, and the “war in Eastern Europe.”
Johnson called on those gathered to find a “better story” in terms of expanding opportunity and “returning responsibility” from government to individuals.
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“And finally, and most importantly, our better story tells that we, in the West, draw an extraordinary heritage, built on the best of the classical liberal and the Judaeo-Christian tradition. These are not just political ideas; they are foundational principles that have governed our public debate for centuries and we do well to remember,” he said.
![Mike Johnson, other Republicans](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1200/675/GettyImages-1744080055.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
House Republicans unanimously chose Johnson to be their nominee for speaker. (Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Concluding his remarks, the speaker called for a “radical change in thinking about the role of government and the proper assignment of responsibility.”
His speech came after House Republicans unanimously elected Johnson as speaker, ending a three-week paralysis in Congress without an elected leader in its lower chamber.
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“[D]”Emocracy can be messy, and thankfully, I believe that the United States Congress and our entire country have re-emerged today as a beacon of freedom for the world as a result of all of this,” Johnson said at the beginning of his speech
“The House is back in session as we speak here. Now look, I believe God is bringing leaders together to address some challenges, just as I believe the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship has been called together this week to begin the challenging task of pushing back against the failed visions currently plaguing the West.”
![Israeli tanks near the Gaza Strip](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1200/675/Israel-tanks.png?ve=1&tl=1)
Israeli tanks head towards the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel on Thursday, October 12, ahead of an expected ground invasion. (AP/Ohad Zwigenberg)
It comes as the House is expected to consider an aid package for Israel this week.
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ARC CEO, Baroness Phillipa Stroud, praised Johnson and his leadership in her own statement.
“It has been wonderful to work with Speaker Johnson this year as we plan and develop ARC’s mission. We are thrilled for him as he takes on this incredible role and knows his approach to servant leadership, which is a core principle here at ARC, is to serve the American people well,” Stroud said.