Johnson calls Obama a "hyprocrite" for backing remain campaign

London Mayor Boris Johnson has accused Barack Obama of being a “hypocrite” for endorsing the campaign to keep Britain in the European Union.

Ahead of the US President’s visit to Britain next week, Johnson told the Evening Standard: “I honestly don't mind the idea of him joining the debate. Where we do part company, and where I do mind, is that it is plainly hypocritical for America to urge us to sacrifice control — of our laws, our sovereignty, our money and our democracy — when they would not dream of ever doing the same.”

Obama lands in England on Thursday and will meet with the Queen as part of her 90th birthday celebrations before holding talks with Prime Minister David Cameron.

The White House has confirmed that Obama will endorse Cameron’s campaign for Britain to remain in the EU.

On Thursday, Ben Rhodes, the president's deputy national security adviser, said: "(Obama) will be very straightforward and candid as a friend on why it's good for the UK to remain in the European Union.

“The president has said we support a strong UK in the EU. For us the UK is a key partner and the EU is a key partner.”

A referendum on Britain’s membership in the EU will be held on 23 June.