Boris Johnson has revealed his “Eurovision” plan for new relationships with the EU and a host of neighbouring countries.
The Prime Minister compared his blueprint for fresh ties to a new Roman Empire - and the annual singing contest.
It came after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled his proposal for a new club of nations, including the UK.
“Emmanuel has an idea, which I actually claim paternity of this idea - I had this idea back when I first became Foreign Secretary,” said the PM, as he flew to the NATO Summit in Madrid.
“I think that Turkey should be there, I think that Maghreb should be there and I think we should basically be recreating the Mare Nostrum of the Roman Empire - that’s basically what I think.
“Of course Ukraine, Turkey, Maghreb - there’s got to be a role for all of us in a wider conversation about issues that affect all of us.: He added: “I think Turkey is crucial. I think the North African littoral is also a very important area for the wider European debate. Israel.”
Told the vision sounded very wide, Mr Johnson said: “Eurovision.”
No10 was this week forced to deny freedom of movement could return under Mr Macron’s plan, following talks between the President and PM at the G7 Summit in Bavaria.
Downing Street stressed there was no prospect of a return to free movement across the UK's borders - despite the Elysee Palace insisting Mr Johnson expressed interest in Mr Macron's vision for a wider European political community incorporating non-EU states such as the UK.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss distanced the UK from any links to the European political community.
Speaking at the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms Truss said Britain had not agreed to such a proposal.
"That is not true.
"I don't know the exact words that President Macron has used, but we have not agreed to that."
