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.
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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.
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