Boris Johnson fails to kiss British fish on visit to London market

Former London Mayor makes whistlestop tour of England to push for Leave vote

Wednesday 22 June 2016 06:34 EDT

Boris Johnson fails to kiss a fish during last day of campaigning

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Boris Johnson has been accused of shirking his fish-kissing responsibilities as he began a tour of England to urge people to vote Leave in the EU referendum.

The former London Mayor visited Billingsgate Fish Market in London, where he was introduced to some British fish by Joey Essex's uncle.

During his tour of the market, Mr Johnson spoke out against the EU's Common Fisheries Policy and said it was time to "believe in our country".

While posing with a salmon alongside Greg Essex, the two were urged to kiss their respective fish for the waiting cameras.

But while Mr Essex duly obliged, the Tory MP appeared to go in for the kiss before wincing and pulling away.

It was a shaky start to a day's activities that have seen Mr Johnson appear on BBC Breakfast and ITV's Good Morning Britain in a last-ditch attempt to grab votes.

His next stop was a tour of the town of Maldon, in Essex, where he joined the Brexit-backing Cabinet minister John Whittingdale.

Boris Johnson meets supporters in Maldon (PA)

Boris Johnson gives a thumbs up to supporters in Maldon, on the final day of campaigning before the EU Referendum (PA)

The rally was interrupted by former Tory supporter Nigel Brunt, who said: "Democracy will win tomorrow and it will be Remain."

And after jumping in a light aircraft, Mr Johnson was met by a group of supporters on the tarmac at East Midlands Airport.

Boris Johnson takes a plane from Southend to East Midlands for a final day of campaigning around the country on behalf of Vote Leave before the EU Referendum (PA)

Boris Johnson arrives at East Midlands Airport (PA)

He told them he expected a victory for the Leave camp in tomorrow's vote, adding: "I think it's going to be a big surprise."

The EU referendum debate has so far been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So until 23 June we we’re running a series of question and answer features that explain the most important issues in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision.

What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?

Does the UK need to take more control of its sovereignty?

Could the UK media swing the EU referendum one way or another?

Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?

Will we gain or lose rights by leaving the European Union?

Will Brexit mean that Europeans have to leave the UK?

Will leaving the EU lead to the break-up of the UK?

What will happen to immigration if there's Brexit?

Will Brexit make the UK more or less safe?

Will the UK benefit from being released from EU laws?

Will leaving the EU save taxpayers money and mean more money for the NHS?

What will Brexit mean for British tourists booking holidays in the EU?