Brexit: David Cameron insists he does not regret calling EU referendum despite chaos engulfing government

Former prime minister says ‘he made a promise’ to the British people

David Cameron has insisted that he does not regret calling the Brexit referendum but did say he was “concerned” about the current state of British politics.

The former prime minister said he had “made a promise” to the British people to hold a vote on EU membership, so had to keep his word.

Asked if he regretted his decision to sanction the public vote, he replied: “No, of course not.”

He was then asked by the reporter as he was getting into a car if he should “apologise to the British people”.

“I made a promise in the election to call a referendum and I called the referendum,” Mr Cameron told Sky News.

The former leader had insisted he would stay on whatever the outcome of the referendum but resigned the day after the narrow victory for Leave in 2016.

Mr Cameron, who has since opted to avoid regularly commenting on British politics, did note that he was “concerned” about the current situation.

In the last fortnight Theresa May’s government was found to have been in contempt of parliament, lost a number of key Brexit votes in the Commons and then decided to delay the meaningful vote on the withdrawal agreement.

“Obviously I’m very concerned about what’s happening today but I do support the prime minister in her efforts to try and have a close partnership with the European Union,” Mr Cameron said.

“That’s the right thing to do and she has my support.”

The former prime minister was rumoured last month to want to return to frontline politics.

Mr Cameron has apparently told friends he would not be against returning to a cabinet role under whoever succeeds Ms May as prime minister.