'Britain can have free trade relationship with Europe even after it leaves EU'

Britain can forge a "fantastic free trade relationship" with Europe after it quits the European Union, but can also be a champion for global free trade, lawmaker and Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson said on Friday.

The country has the world's most diverse capital, along with a world-class technology sector and universities, he told an event in Switzerland. But Britain should also focus on leaving the EU, with MPs agreeing not to revoke Article 50, which began the exit process.

"The job of our next leader has to be getting the UK properly out of the EU, putting Brexit to bed," said Johnson, who wants to replace Theresa May as the next British prime minister.