Fury at EU chief’s ‘Brits are deserters’ insult over Brexit campaign for referendum
Not a threat but Leave vote will damage co-operation, claims hated European Commission boss Jean-Claude Juncker
EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker sparked fury last night by branding Brexit-backing Brits “deserters”.
The hated European Commission boss warned the UK will not be made welcome by the remaining nations if we vote out.
Mr Juncker insisted that he was not making a threat but made clear that a Leave vote would damage co-operation between Brussels and London.
He told the French newspaper Le Monde: “Deserters will not be welcomed with open arms.
“If the British say no — which I hope they will not — community life will not carry on as before.”
Comparing the UK to Brussels pet cat, Juncker said Britain would not “have its hair stroked in the right direction” by the rest of Europe if we walk away.
He added: “If the British leave Europe, it will be necessary for both us and them to draw conclusions. That is not a threat, but our relations will not be the same.”
But last night Ukip’s Nigel Farage hit back, saying: “I think Project Fear will now move on to Project Threat. It sounds to me like Mr Juncker is playing that game.”
Launching his party’s referendum battle bus, Mr Farage attacked Mr Juncker “whole life” that has been “dedicated to building up these false, undemocratic structures in Brussels.
Speaking in Westminster, Mr Farage added: “I don’t dislike him personally, but politically I think he is somewhat out of date.”
The row came as Canada’s Prime Minister yesterday became the latest global leader to back Britain remaining in the European Union.
Justin Trudeau said the UK’s clout on the world stage was “amplified” by being a member of the Brussels club, and said “more unity is a path toward greater prosperity”.
The hunky leader – who stripped off for a charity boxing match against a political rival – also warned there would be “nothing easy or automatic” about striking new deals with the EU if Britain votes to leave.
His intervention is significant because many Brexit campaigners have hailed Canada’s trade deal with the EU as a possible model if the UK leaves.
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