Boris: a chant for G20 'crusties'
Updated on 27 March 2009
Jon Snow talks to Mayor of London Boris Johnson ahead of the G20 summit.
Johnson called on world leaders and protestors alike to make a pitch for free trade.
He told Channel 4 News: "I'm all in favour of the prime minister bestriding the world stage like the colossus he undoubtedly is and showing everything he is doing to save the planet. Absolutely fine.
"But what these guys should be doing ... is conclude the Doha round of trade talks and show that the leaders who are gathering in London are turning their backs on protectionism and international nationalism.
"And if I had a slogan for the crusties and the nose-ringed protestors who are going to be out on the streets of London doing all their ludicrous antics, they should be saying:
"'What do we want?' 'Free trade.' 'When do we want it?' 'Now.' That's my slogan."
In the wake of the break-in at former RBS boss Sir Fred Goodwin's home, Johnson was asked if he was concerned about safety for the bankers.
Johnson said: "It's very important people remember not everybody involved in financial services is a greedy miscreant."
"The mess has been caused by bankers but you don't necessarily solve the problem by eliminating your financial services industry. In fact you'd create an absolute disaster.
