‘F*** Business’? Boris Johnson Says He Was Referring to Lobbyists

U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson didn’t deny that he said “f*** business” to a European diplomat last week -- instead he offered a more diplomatic explanation.

“I don’t think that anyone could doubt the passionate support of this government for business,” Johnson told lawmakers in the House of Commons on Tuesday when asked to confirm the Daily Telegraph’s story about his overheard comments made at a reception for the Queen’s birthday. “It may be that I have from time to time expressed skepticism about some of the views of those who profess to speak up for business.”