Brexiteers react to Donald Tusk’s ‘special place in hell’ remark
Pro-Leave MPs brand European Council president ‘arrogant’, ‘devilish’ and a ‘bully’

European Council President Donald Tusk has courted controversy by saying that there is a “special place in hell” for those who campaigned for Britain to quit the EU without considering how to deliver Brexit.
Tusk made what Sky News describes as his “explosive intervention” during a statement in Brussels, in which he appeared to ruled out any chance of the UK remaining in the bloc.
“I’ve been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely,” he said at the conference, which was also attended by Leo Varadkar.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As they left the stage, the Irish prime minister was picked up by the microphones telling Tusk: “They’ll give you terrible trouble in the British press for that.”
But Tusk appeared unfazed by the warning, repeating his statements on his Twitter account immediately after the conference.
Prominent Brexiteers were quick to respond to Tusk’s comments, with a number taking to Twitter to express their outrage.
DUP MP and spokesperson Sammy Wilson described Tusk as a “devilish, trident wielding euro maniac”.
Nigel Farage, one of Brexit’s principle architects, called Tusk a “bully”.
Brexiteer Tory MP Mark Francois told ITV News that “British people are pretty stubborn and won’t be bullied”.
And Conservative MP and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom told BBC News that Tusk should apologise, adding: “I think that what he has said is pretty unacceptable and pretty disgraceful.”
But Remainer Tory Anna Soubry defended the EU boss.
Meanwhile, others were looking at the funny side.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Quirky hot cross buns to try this Easter
The Week Recommends Creative, flavourful twists on the classic Easter bake, from tiramisu and stem ginger to a cheesy sharing-size treat
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
What should you be stockpiling for 'World War Three'?
In the Spotlight Britons advised to prepare after the EU tells its citizens to have an emergency kit just in case
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Carnivore diet: why people are eating only meat
The Explainer 'Meatfluencers' are taking social media by storm but experts warn meat-only diets have health consequences
By Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, The Week UK Published
-
Has Starmer put Britain back on the world stage?
Talking Point UK takes leading role in Europe on Ukraine and Starmer praised as credible 'bridge' with the US under Trump
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Trump vows 25% tariffs on EU at Cabinet meeting
Speed Read The tariff threats serve to enhance a growing suspicion that the president views Europe as an adversary, not an ally
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why are Europe's leaders raising red flags about Trump's Ukraine overtures to Putin?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Officials from across the continent warn that any peace plan without their input is doomed from the start
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Left on read: Labour's WhatsApp dilemma
Talking Point Andrew Gwynne has been sacked as health minister over messages posted in a Labour WhatsApp group
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will Keir Starmer have to choose between the EU and the US?
Today's Big Question Starmer's 'reset' with the EU will focus on 'defence for trade' but an 'EU-hating' president in the White House could cause the PM trouble
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
New Year's Honours: why the controversy?
Today's Big Question London Mayor Sadiq Khan and England men's football manager Gareth Southgate have both received a knighthood despite debatable records
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Starmer's Brexit reset work?
Today's Big Question PM will have to tread a fine line to keep Leavers on side as leaks suggest EU's 'tough red lines' in trade talks next year
By The Week UK Published
-
John Prescott: was he Labour's last link to the working class?
Today's Big Quesiton 'A total one-off': tributes have poured in for the former deputy PM and trade unionist
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published