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'I'm a Lib Dem' declares EU's Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt

Guy Verhofstadt said his appearance on the campaign trail wasn't interfering because the UK hasn't left the EU yet.

By Rebecca Taylor, news reporter

Monday 13 May 2019 10:27, UK

Guy Verhofstadt, joins Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable in Camden
Image: Guy Verhofstadt joined Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable in Camden
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The European Parliament's Brexit co-ordinator has declared himself a Liberal Democrat as he joined the party on the campaign trail in London.

Guy Verhofstadt said the Lib Dems offered an alternative to nationalism and predicted a surge for Remain support in the upcoming European elections.

He joined Vince Cable's party in Camden, north London, after they launched their European election manifesto "B** to Brexit".

Guy Verhofstadt said his presence wasn't interfering because the UK is still in the EU
Image: Mr Verhofstadt said his presence wasn't interfering because the UK is still in the EU

Mr Verhofstadt said: "I think it's important to show that the European liberals and democrats support Vince Cable.

"Support the Lib Dems in this difficult fight in Britain, in these European elections.

"Secondly, we want to show by coming here a message to the continent to say never repeat Brexit again.

"I'm a Lib Dem. It's natural that people are looking to the Lib Dems when it comes to European elections.

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"We want to be the alternative for nationalism and popularism.

"What I think is there will be a huge support for Remain.

"I'm not here as a Brexit negotiator, I'm here as the leader of the liberals and democrats for Europe to support the most pro-European party."

Verhofstadt is the European Parliament Brexit negotiator
Image: Mr Verhofstadt is the European Parliament Brexit negotiator

Earlier this week the government confirmed that the UK would have to hold the European Parliament elections as there is not enough time to get any deal through before being legally bound to return MEPs to Brussels.

Voters will cast their ballots on 23 May and the results will be announced on 26 May.

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Mr Verhofstadt rejected the idea his presence in London would be seen as interference, saying "this is Europe, it's all Europe".

Answering questions about other Remain supporting parties in the UK, he said: "There is no doubt about the fact that Vince Cable and the Lib Dems are most pro-EU party and are not from yesterday."

Verhofstadt said he was a Lib Dem
Image: The Belgian said he was a Lib Dem

Mr Verhofstadt was also asked about reports Olly Robbins, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator, had enquired about how he could become a Belgian or EU citizen after Brexit.

Mr Verhofstadt said: "It was a joke, a joke, where is your British sense of humour? I hope in Brexit you don't lose it - the famous British humour."

He also said he wanted to send a warning to the rest of the EU that Brexit should not be repeated, and said it had already had a worse effect on Britain than had been predicted before the referendum.

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