Boris Johnson’s father asks to join EU as Britain withdraws

The father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on the eve of Brexit that he was taking steps to apply for French nationality.

“It’s not about becoming French – if I understand correctly, I’m French,” Stanley Johnson told French radio RTL.

“My mother was born in France; her mother was completely French, just like her grandfather… For me, it’s about getting what I already have and I’m very happy with it.

The 80-year-old former Member of the European Parliament and Commission was among the first British officials to work in Brussels after Britain joined the European Economic Community in 1973.

Thanks to his career, Stanley Johnson’s children – including Boris, who signed the Brexit deal – spent part of their childhood in the Belgian capital, also learning French.

Like many British families, Boris Johnson’s family have long been torn apart over Brexit.

“I will always be European… you cannot tell the British that they are not European,” said the elder Johnson, speaking as the free movement between British and European nationals comes to an end.

The UK’s complete departure from the European Union will take effect at 23:00 GMT or at midnight in Brussels.