UK to maintain leading role in Europe despite Brexit: Johnson

New British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says the UK would continue to play a “leading role” in Europe despite the Brexit vote.

"We have to give effect to the will of the people and leave the European Union but... we are not going in any way to abandon our leading role in European participation," Johnson said on Monday ahead of meeting his EU peers in Brussels for the first time.

Johnson, who was a top Brexit campaigner, said he had a “very good conversation” about the Brexit vote with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini on Sunday.

Johnson’s tone has clearly changed from Brexit campaigning mode when he compared the European project to Adolf Hitler’s ambitions.

Being asked whether it would be “awkward” to deal with Johnson after his pre-referendum comments, Mogherini said she had a “very positive exchange” on Sunday with Johnson.

She also told reporters that talks with the UK about leaving the bloc could not start until London triggered article 50 that establishes a two-year withdrawal process.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault also said he had a “frank and useful” telephone conversation with Johnson. Ayrault also said that he hoped Britain would start Brexit negotiations as soon as possible.

SS