Stanley Johnson has revealed he is applying for a French passport to maintain his ties with the European Union after Brexit.
The Prime Minister’s father, who voted Remain in Britain’s 2016 referendum, told RTL radio on Thursday he wanted to become a French citizen because of strong family links to France.
He revealed his intention after the trade deal negotiated by Boris Johnson was approved after months of wrangling with the EU.
“If I understand it correctly, I am French. My mother was born in France, her mother was totally French as was her grandfather. So for me it is about reclaiming what I already have. And that makes me very happy,” said 80-year-old Mr Johnson, who was speaking in French.
“I will always be a European, that’s for sure. One cannot tell the British people: you are not Europeans. Having a tie with the European Union is important,” said the former member of the European Parliament.