Italy’s ambassador to London Pasquale Terracciano has gone on the record to the Sunday Telegraph to confirm Boris did not back freedom of movement, contrary to the Sky News report that caused such a stir this week. Terracciano reveals:

“We do not normally comment on discussion we have at EU Ambassadors’ level with members of Government. But since this particular issue has become focus of press speculations, I will tell you that Boris Johnson chose not to speak about the principle of freedom of movement within the EU. He said instead that he had always been favourable in principle to immigration but also added that immigration needed to be controlled.”

So what Boris said was completely consistent with the 10 times he opposed freedom of movement posted by Guido on Thursday. A second ambassador confirms to the Sunday Telegraph:

“My recollection was that he didn’t say anything that was different [from his public stance]. I don’t think I even made any particular note of what he said on that issue because it was simply in line with what I already knew to be Government policy.”

Who’d have thought those four anonymous ambassadors briefing against Boris to friendly Sky News were up to no good? And surely the BBC will give this new development equal prominence too. Awkward one for tonight’s Sky paper review…