Brexit leader Nigel Farage has blasted the slow and fruitless progress of negotiations for Britain to leave the European Union as the bloc finally gave their permission for the second phase of talks to begin, remarking the nation had already been “strung along”.
Farage’s comments came as British Prime Minister Theresa May was showered with adulation by European leaders. After the first phase of talks in which the British government conceded almost every negotiating point possible, the PM was reportedly applauded at a leader’s dinner Thursday evening, congratulated by Union president Donald Tusk, and even complimented by Jean-Claude Juncker.
Speaking out, Mr Farage said: “Theresa May is being strung along with this latest delay. We must move on to trade talks as soon as possible.”
“We’ve been taken for mugs, no wonder the EU leaders applauded her last night.”
His comments came just days after the Brexit leader took the floor of the European Parliament and criticised the British Prime Minister, calling her “Theresa the Appeaser” for her constant concessions to the European negotiators. He said: “Barnier said earlier there were key areas upon which he wasn’t prepared to make many concessions.
“Well you didn’t need to sir because you were up against Theresa May, and she was all for making as many concessions as she possibly could, including a ludicrous bill of £40 billion for us to have the right to leave… “it is as if even though we’re leaving, the British government wants to keep us in some form of single market relationship.
“I’m not surprised you’re all very pleased with her, Theresa the Appeaser has given in on virtually everything.”
May remained upbeat, however, insisting Britain was on course for Brexit.
Although Britain had already “danced” to the European Union’s tune in negotiations so far, chief Eurocrat Jean-Claude Juncker warned things were going to get worse. City AM reports he said Friday: “I have extraordinary faith in the British Prime Minister. She has agreed with me and Mr Barnier that the withdrawal agreement will first be formalised and will be voted on and then we will see.
“The second phase will be significantly harder than the first and the first was very difficult.”