Jean-Claude Juncker slams Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage for 'leaving the boat' after Brexit vote

Sad heroes: Mr Juncker slams Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson
EPA

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has slammed Brexiteers Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson for an alleged lack of patriotism.

In a speech to MEPs, Mr Juncker accused Mr Johnson and Mr Farage of deserting the country when things got difficult after the EU referendum.

Mr Farage announced his resignation as UKIP leader on Monday, stating that he wanted his life back after achieving his political ambition.

And Mr Johnson unexpectedly ruled himself out as a candidate to be Britain’s next prime minister last week after being knifed by former ally Michael Gove.

Not a patriot: Juncker accuses Boris Johnson of resigning when things got difficult 
Stefan Rousseau/PA

Mr Juncker said: “All I can do is note that the bright Brexit heroes of yesterday are the sad heroes of today.

“Those who contributed to the situation in the UK have resigned: Johnson, Farage and others, they are retro-nationalists, they are not patriots.

“Patriots don’t resign when things get difficult, they stay.”

Mr Juncker and Mr Farage clashed in European Parliament last week, with the European Commission president asking Mr Farage “Why are you here?”

In response, Mr Farage delivered a speech to European Parliament accusing the union of failing ordinary people and urging the UK to start exit procedures.

Mr Juncker also repeated his desire for the UK to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to activate their release from the EU.

He said: “I could understand that the Remain camp needs weeks to reflect, but I don’t understand that the Brexit camp needs months before knowing what to do.

“I would have thought they would have a plan. Instead of developing a plan they are leaving the boat.”

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