Nigel Farage MEP has slammed attempts to “overturn” and “frustrate” Brexit, whilst attacking the Irish premier for putting the interest of the European Union (EU) above those of his people.
Leo Varadkar had told MEPs that the UK will be one of many “small states” on the global stage after Brexit, and claimed people in Northern Ireland wanted to remain in the Customs Union and Single Market because the region voted against Breixt.
Addressing the European Parliament shortly after Mr. Varadkar, Mr. Farage told the Irish leader: “You are very popular here. Standing ovation from left and centre and right.
“Mr. Juncker looking joyous. In fact, this European project could have no greater stronger devotee for a militarised expansionist United States of Europe.”
Since the Brexit vote, EU leaders have said they are working at “full speed” to establish an EU army, with a common budget and headquarters.
“You, of course, worked here as a young man, you’re a devotee. In fact, we should call you, I think, a European Unionist whatever the cost to Ireland may be,” continued Mr. Farage.
“Normally, of course, small countries count for nothing here, it’s run by the big boys, but right at the minute you’re important and you’re useful because you’ve helped with the obstructionism and the delay of Brexit.”
In the last couple of days, both European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk have offered to keep the UK in the bloc despite the Brexit vote.
Leo Varadkar is a devoted European Unionist harming Irish interests. @campaignforleo pic.twitter.com/V2LJq35VqT
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 17, 2018
Mr. Farage also argued that the EU did not have much involvement in the relationship between the UK and Ireland, which could continue after Brexit.
He said: “Firstly on the Good Friday agreement, whereas you know the European Union had little or nothing to do with it.
“They were written in at a later stage, but of course as everyone knows, nothing binds either side to continued membership of the Union and you know the UK government intends to fully uphold it.
“The border issue has been put up as a problem but I think your predecessor, Bertie Ahern, has said, look, in practical terms, we don’t face a problem, there’s been a common travel area between us of course for decades.
“But it is on trade where that border could, in some ways, be challenged. And of course, when you think that nearly 50 per cent of exports from Irish-owned companies go to the United Kingdom and agriculture in some sectors is as high as 90 per cent, you potentially have quite a lot to lose.
“And yet, despite the fact that no one should be fighting harder for a genuine rounded trade deal than you, that doesn’t appear to be the case.”
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