The foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has denied that he strayed from official government policy by privately expressing support for the EU principle of free movement during conversations with ambassadors. They said that Johnson had expressed personal support for the principle of free movement and they were “shocked” by the government’s apparently “shambolic” approach. One said: “He did say he was personally in favour of free movement, as it corresponds to his own beliefs. But former deputy prime minister and Liberal Democrat MP Nick Clegg said: “If these reports are to be believed, then Boris Johnson, the figurehead of the Brexit campaign, is treating voters like fools. This puts huge pressure on schools, hospitals and housing.” A close ally in the campaign said it was “very unlikely” he would express support for free movement.

Source: The Guardian November 30, 2016 22:41 UTC