UK has a lot to do before it leaves EU: Johnson

The United Kingdom has a great deal of work to do before it can leave the European Union, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says.

"I think the crucial thing is that obviously we are not going to do it before Christmas and I think we've got to do a lot of work to get our ducks in order and that is going on," Johnson told the BBC on Sunday.

"I think ... what everybody wants ... is clarity and getting on with it. And not letting the process drag on is the key phrase I would use."

Johnson said last week London would begin the formal process for leaving the block early next year by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty under which London can leave the EU after a two-year negotiations period.

The country is under pressure from fellow EU members and some 17.4 million voters, who, on June 23, voted to leave the EU after 43 years of membership.

According to some lawmakers and government officials, the UK government has not taken a clear negotiating stance due to lack of time. They say Britain may land a poor deal by triggering proceedings too early.

Johnson also talked about immigrants, reiterating that Britain must regain control of immigration through the split form the EU.

"I want skilled and talented people to come to the UK if they want .. .to fulfill their dreams in our country. Then I have no problem with that provided that we have control," he said.

"I think for 25 years UK business and industry have been mainlining immigration like a kind of drug without actually investing enough, or caring enough frankly, about the skills and the training of young people in our country."

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