Boris Johnson says the idea free movement is a founding EU principle is ‘b*******’ as he argues post-Brexit Britain will have to leave the customs union

BORIS Johnson said it is a “myth,” “nonsense” and “bollocks” to claim freedom of movement is one of the founding principles of the European Union.

The Foreign Secretary also claimed the UK will probably have to leave the customs union as it negotiates Brexit.

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Speaking to a Czech newspaper  he said freedom of movement, which has allowed millions of migrants to come to the UK,  is not enshrined in the EU Treaties.

“Everybody now has it in their head that every human being has some fundamental God-given right to move wherever they want,” he said.

“It’s not true. That was never the case. That was never a founding principle of the EU. Total myth.”

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Mr Johnson added: “Freedom of movement of people across Europe is not something that was in the founding Treaty of Rome in 1957, it was not in the Nice Treaty, and it was not in the Maastricht Treaty.

“It’s something that has been acquired by a series of decisions by the courts, for example, the Antonissen judgment.”

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In his new role in charge of diplomacy he started the interview by saying:  "I am surprised that with so many hen parties, with the British drink driving in Prague, the relations between our two countries are as excellent."

But it is his comments on the customs union will irk his boss, as Theresa May and her ministers have refused to say whether the UK will leave it.

Asked about Mr Johnson’s comments, the Prime Minister’s spokeswoman said no decision had been made on the issue.

A Foreign Office Spokesperson said: “The Foreign Secretary was simply saying that the issue of customs union as well as many others will be a matter for discussion.”

He also talked positively about Donald Trump, saying “in many aspects a liberal guy from New York”.

“There is every reason to be positive. Donald Trump is dealmaker, he is a guy who believes firmly in values that I believe in too — freedom and democracy,” he said.

“As far as I understand he is in many aspects a liberal guy from New York.”