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Guy Verhofstadt has insisted the UK will one day rejoin the European Union. The Belgian MEP lashed out at Brexit, claiming Britain’s departure from Brussels was a “con”. Mr Verhostadt also branded Brexit as “the elephant in the room of British politics” and a “travesty”.<\/p>\n
He added that he has “no doubt” that a “young British politician” will bring the country back into the EU in the future.<\/p>\n
Writing for the Independent, the Belgian MEP said: “Many in the EU, including myself, thought Brexit was a travesty for the British people.<\/p>\n
“We want the Brits back, but we also know there will be a special deal for London.<\/p>\n
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“The elephant in the room of British politics is Brexit and will get larger and larger until the main parties address it.<\/p>\n
“I have no doubt that one day, a young British politician will slay the proverbial elephant and lead Britain back into the European family, where it belongs.<\/p>\n
“It is up to the British people to decide how quickly this day comes.”<\/p>\n
But Mr Verhofstadt’s comments prompted a backlash from Brexiteers.<\/p>\n
Former Brexit Party MEP Belinda de Lucy hit back: “I pray you find the therapy you need to overcome your obsession with the UK.<\/p>\n
“We know we are an incredible nation but we are more than just a cash cow to your black hole of a sovereignty-gobbling corrupt empire, we are Excalibur.<\/p>\n
“We will be more than fine without the EU.”<\/p>\n
Foreign policy analyst Nile Gardiner said: “17.4 million Britons clearly disagreed with Guy Verhofstadt at the ballot box.<\/p>\n
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“There is no going back to the corrupt, undemocratic and tyrannical EU.”<\/p>\n
Referring to Mr Verhofstadt’s claim that the UK “belongs in Europe”, GB News presenter Martin Daubney said: “The UK is in Europe. It’s just not in the EU. We, the 17.4 million, made sure of that.<\/p>\n
“Happy to clarify, Mr Verhofstadt.”<\/p>\n
The Belgian MEP, who was the European Parliament’s Brexit negotiator, has been a vocal critic of the UK’s decision to quit the bloc in 2016.<\/p>\n