Boris Johnson was one of the most outspoken and vociferous campaigners for Britain to leave the EU.
The politician became the figurehead for the Leave campaign which ultimately won the EU Referendum vote to end the country’s membership of the European Union.
But now a secret article has emerged which Johnson wrote for the Daily Telegraph in which he is said to have argued for Britain to *remain* in the EU.
The Daily Telegraph column was never published and was penned by the former London Mayor just two days before he sensationally came out for the Leave campaign, blindsiding then-PM David Cameron.
Many of his arguments for Britain to remain part of the EU are at odds with his positions on the issue in his new role as Foreign Secretary in Theresa May’s ‘hard Brexit’-chasing Government.
We are leaving the EU but the UK will continue to be a major contributor to the security, stability & prosperity of the whole of Europe pic.twitter.com/EoSFv8dteL
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 13, 2016
In the article it’s claimed he said he believed Brexit could lead to an “economic shock”, Scottish independence and Russian aggression.
The contents of the supposed column have been published in All Out War, by Sunday Times political editor Tim Shipman, Sky News say.
According to the book he said: “Britain is a great nation, a global force for good. It is surely a boon for the world and for Europe that she should be intimately engaged in the EU.”
“This is a market on our doorstep, ready for further exploitation by British firms,” Mr Johnson is also said to have written. “The membership fee seems rather small for all that access. Why are we so determined to turn our back on it?”
It’s claimed he also said Britain could suffer an ‘economic shock’ under Brexit and it could lead to the break up of the United Kingdom.
Sky News say that Johnson had written the piece on February 19. But previous to this he had written an ‘Out’ column arguing the case to leave the EU – a position which he later settled on.
People on Twitter weren’t too impressed to be honest…
https://twitter.com/tom_rainey88/status/787408049958973441
https://twitter.com/carlboydtweets/status/787407076066721792
Boris Johnson in saying what he thought people wanted to hear shock. pic.twitter.com/Ne0Ys9iToQ
— Will Harris (@ChipsyYCFC) October 15, 2016
@BorisJohnson so you n Dave have a bust up so you thought you'd run a campaign and get his job then? Can't trust #Tories https://t.co/mLq0B6x46x
— Jo #NHSpay15 (@Joupnorth) October 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/GAlexBrowning/status/787405389100879872
Tmw's exclusive: The Chameleonic Colours of Boris Johnson. Should I stay or should I go? #BrexitBritain https://t.co/eHzu7opMxb
— Schona Jolly KC (@WomaninHavana) October 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/RossMacDonaldW6/status/787404372573560837
@BorisJohnson Truly no shame pic.twitter.com/ew5MzKJJUh
— Richard Marks (@Richard2957) October 15, 2016
Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?Boris Johnson's secret 'Remain' article revealed https://t.co/ViiRCxT3S6
— Andy W (@Lazy_sunbather_) October 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/lhr_tim/status/787406418475384832
