EU chief Juncker says 'press freedom has limits', in attack on British media

Jean-Claude Juncker said he was always amazed at what he was blamed for in the media (AFP/Getty)

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has insisted there must be limits to the freedom of the press, accusing British media of breaching politicians’ human rights.

He went on to claim the EU could have swung the Brexit referendum in favour of Remain if David Cameron had not prevented it from intervening in the 2016 campaign over membership.

Mr Juncker, whose enjoyment of alcohol has often been referred to in the media, was scathing about UK press coverage of him, suggesting it violated his rights.

“They do not respect the human rights of political actors at all. I will not miss it,” he told Austrian journalists.

“Press freedom also has its limits … One should not bring people in privacy in distress.”

He made the criticism as he said the chances of a Brexit breakthrough had risen, suggesting a deal could be reached within two weeks.

Asked how he felt about being the first Commission president to see a member leave the bloc, he said: “If the Commission had intervened, perhaps the right questions would have entered the debate.

“Now you discover new problems almost daily, on both sides. At that time, it was already clear to us what trials and tribulations this pitiful vote of the British would lead to.

“I am always amazed about what I am always blamed for.”

Mr Juncker made clear he believed Brussels could have delivered a Remain vote if then prime minister Mr Cameron had not told the EU to stay out of the campaign.

He also expressed concern at “confusion” in Theresa May’s Cabinet over the UK’s withdrawal stance.

Asked whether a Brexit U-turn was still possible, he replied: “That is in the discretion of the British Parliament and the government. I do not interfere in inner cabinet debates in the UK. There is enough confusion.”

The remarks drew derision from Brexiteer MPs.

Former minister Frank Field said: “There is no delusion that does not have an attraction for that man.

“I’m sure it would have been a more decisive Leave vote if he had intervened.”

Tory MP Sir Bill Cash said: “He’s completely off the wall. It would have contravened electoral law.

“Quite frankly, he’s talking through his hat.”

Greek former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis tweeted: “The one clever thing Cameron did was to ban Juncker from campaigning for Remain. (Had he campaigned, Brexit would have won 80% of the vote.)”