Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has claimed that Britain's younger generations still have the "fighting spirit" the country held during both World Wars, as he marked 80 years of VE Day.
In an exclusive interview with GB News, the ex-prime minister claimed the nation's youngsters would "come through again" if another war was to take place.
As Johnson and GB News host Patrick Christys hailed the "bravery" of the men who fought in the war to bring victory to the allied nations, he dismissed Patrick's claim that Gen Z has "gone soft".
Patrick pressed Johnson: "A lot of people think we've gone a bit soft. A lot of people think that the younger generation, they've never had to live through anything like this - do you think they're made of the same stuff?"
Boris Johnson claimed that Britain's Gen Z would fight in the war if it occured today
GB News / PA
Johnson told GB News: "I think back to my grandparents' generation, and I wonder sometimes whether we are made of the same stuff as they are, and I think we are.
"I think the great thing about the the British is, famously somebody once said 'they lose every battle except the last'. And I think we would come through again.
"I think there's a natural spirit in this country which Churchill articulated, people's deep instinct to protect their country and to fight for freedom, because I think that is still very much alive in Britain."
Pressed again by Patrick on whether Gen Z Britons would "rise to the challenge" if a situation of war arose, Johnson stood firm on his defence of the young generation.
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Several nationwide celebrations took place to celebrate the veterans who fought in the war
PA
Johnson stated: "I really do think they would. And obviously we are all praying and making sure nothing like that ever happens again, we don't want any such thing to happen.
"But I think that this country is very fierce in its defence of democracy and and freedom."
Highlighting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Johnson said that Britain's support for the nation emphasises our country's "commitment to freedom".
He told GB News: "One of the things you notice in the whole Ukrainian conflict is how strong the support remains in the UK for the Ukrainians.
Boris Johnson told GB News that Britain still has 'fighting spirit'
GB News
"After three and a bit years of war, and the Ukrainians feel it too, I think that's because we are committed to freedom."
Asked by Patrick on whether he would make a political comeback, Johnson admitted that the Conservatives are in a "tough spot".
He said: "I'm not convinced I am in a position to do that [come back] at the moment. Our party is in a tough spot. As Kemi [Badenoch] has said, we always knew going into these local elections and it wasn't going to be brilliant. Everybody knew that was coming.
"And I think one thing, Kemi is a very interesting and original mind. I think she's probably the most original thinker of the current crop of leaders by a long, long way. And I think she just needs time to get going."
