Vince Cable provokes backlash after saying those who voted for Brexit are 'driven by nostalgia' and long for a world where 'faces are white'

Liberal Democrat leader's comments described as 'wrong' and 'unwise' by senior Tory ministers

Vince Cable provoked backlash after he claimed those who supported Brexit were “driven by nostalgia” and longed for a world where “faces were white”.

A number of senior Tory ministers have spoken out against the Liberal Democrat leader, slamming his comments as “wrong” and “offensive”.

While speaking at the party’s spring conference in Southport, Sir Vince said: “Too many were driven by nostalgia, where passports were blue, faces were white and the map was coloured imperial pink.

“And it was their votes on one wet day in June which crushed the hopes and aspirations of young people for years to come.”

Brandon Lewis, the Tory party chair, called on Mr Cable to apologise, saying his comments were “rude” and “offensive”.

Cabinet minister Sajid Javid also criticised the comments and said Sir Vince “should be trying to being the country together, not seeking to tear it apart.”

Sir Vince also advocated holding a referendum on the final Brexit deal, a move which is opposed by the Government.

During his speech, Sir Vince said: “I’ve myself been on a journey. I confess that my own initial reaction to the referendum was to think maybe there was little choice but to pursue Brexit.

“I thought, you know, the public had voted to be poorer – well, that was their right.

“What changed my mind was the evidence that Brexit had overwhelmingly been the choice of the older generation.

“Seventy-five per cent of under 25s voted to remain. But 70 per cent of over 65s voted for Brexit,” he added.