THE European Union's former chief negotiator has suggested that Brexit could happen in other countries across Europe.
Speaking on LBC, Michel Barnier said that “social anger” was part of the reason that the UK voted to leave the EU.
He said this anger was seen in regions across Europe meaning other nations could also seek to leave the 27-nation-bloc union.
Presenter Iain Dale asked him: “Early on in [your] book, you talk about the fact that there were lots of people who were dissatisfied with a lot of things in Britain, not particularly necessarily the European Union.
READ MORE: WATCH: Angus Robertson says Brexit 'catastrophe' is reason for supply chain crisis
"But they were angry about austerity [and] the policies of the David Cameron government.
"So they took the opportunity to kick the government, which I guess can happen anywhere.
"But if it can happen in Britain, it could happen elsewhere. Do you think that it could happen in another European country?"
Barnier replied: "Yes, I think so, exactly for the reason that you mention. What I call the social anger, the lack of public services, no future, no jobs, and no control of migration.
"We can find exactly the same feelings in social anger in many, many regions of Europe.”
When asked about what his reaction was to the UK leaving the EU, Barnier said he was both “surprised” and “disappointed“ with the outcome.
He said: “I was very surprised because the day before, on the night, it was not the feeling, even in the Brexit camp, and I was disappointed because I thought it was not a good decision for both of us, the UK and Europe," he said.
"I always thought that Brexit, because it is a divorce, is a loser's game so I was surprised and disappointed.
“But it was a sovereign decision of the British people and I immediately thought we have to respect this vote.”
READ MORE: Michel Barnier: Food and fuel shortages are direct consequence of Brexit
Barnier added that he still does not understand the “added value” of Brexit for the UK or the EU.
Earlier in the week, Barnier also said that Britain's supply chain crisis was a direct result of Brexit.
He said the shortage of lorry drivers and ongoing supply chain issues were linked to the UK's decision to leave the EU.
“Part of the answer is linked, effectively, to the consequences of the Brexit because the UK chose to end the freedom of movement [of people],” he said.
“And there is a clear link to the truck drivers."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel