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Liberal Democrats are 'only pro-European party in Britain', Guy Verhofstadt says

European Parliament Brexit co-ordinator joins Sir Vince Cable ahead of EU elections later this month

Benjamin Kentish

Political Correspondent

Friday 10 May 2019 11:15 BST

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Olly Robbins asked Guy Verhofstadt if he could become a Belgian citizen after brexit

Guy Verhofstadt has claimed the Liberal Democrats are the only truly pro-EU party in Britain as he joined Sir Vince Cable for campaigning in London.

The European Parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator endorsed the Lib Dems ahead of EU elections later this month, saying they offered an “alternative to nationalism”.

Speaking alonside Sir Vince in Camden, north London, he said: “The reason I’m here to support the Liberal Democrats is there is only one pro-European party in Britain and it is the Lib Dems.

“That’s not new – it has always been the case in their history.”

He added: “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.

“We want to be the alternative for nationalism and popularism.”

He predicted a surge for pro-EU parties in the European Parliament elections on 23 May, saying: “I think there will be huge support for Remain – that’s very clear. We’re going to see it... I’m pretty sure that there will be great support and certainly for the most pro-European party: the Lib Dems.”

Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Pro-Brexit leave the European Union supporters attend a rally in Parliament Square after the final leg of the "March to Leave" in London

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

The protest march which started on March 16 in Sunderland, north east England, finished on what was the original date for Brexit to happen before the recent extension

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

AP

Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter sips a can of Stella in protests outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Dedicated anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray and likewise pro-Brexit campaigner Joseph Afrane go head to head near the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A pro-Brexit marching band in Parliament Square

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Remain supporters wave EU flags from a bus in Parliament Square

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter shouts slogans outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter protests outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter protests outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters protest outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A pro-Brexit flag is waved in Parliament Square

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

The March to Leave nears the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit protester holds a sign outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters carry the coffin of democracy

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters march outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters take part in the March to Leave protest in London

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Brexit supporters protest outside parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter holds a sign outside the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A man holds satirical paintings of politicians

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

An pro-Brexit float on the March to Leave march in London

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson addresses protesters outside the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter outside the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Tommy Robinson supporter arrives at the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A jogger gestures rudely at a Brexit supporter outside of the Houses of Parliament

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Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit

A Brexit supporter outside the Houses of Parliament

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Verhofstadt denied that he was interfering in UK elections by appearing alongside Sir Vince, saying: “This is Europe. I don’t think for European elections there is any interference.”

“I am in Strasbourg tomorrow...and nobody will say there is an interference because you’re in Strasbourg. It’s all Europe”.

Sir Vince said accusations of interference highlighted the problem that his party was standing up against.

“We are fighting nationalism. We are patriotic people in our different countries, but we are fighting nationalism,” he said.

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