EU Commission chief-to-be shuts down Brexit Party MEPs in spectacular fashion

Ursula von der Leyen issued a spectacular put-down to Brexit Party MEPs in Strasbourg. Picture: EU Parliament - Credit: EU Parliament

Ursula von der Leyen has issued a spectacular put-down to the Brexit Party MEPs in a speech to the EU Commission.

The president-elect of the commission was delivering a speech in Strasbourg to ask the parliament to approve the make-up of her new commission.

She argued that the EU can shape the global order in a speech touching on numerous weighty themes, including climate change, the refugee crisis, and employment.

But she raised a laugh when she turned to Brexit. “Honourable members, we know that one member of our family intends to leave our union,” she said.

As she paused, there was jeering in the house and the Brexit Party MEPs clapped, waved their little British flags around.

“A vast majority of this house seems to be happy about the fact that a very very small group in this house will not be able to clap as loud any more,” she said, causing the rest of parliament to break out into cheering.

“And I’ve never ever made any secret of the fact that I will always be a Remainer,” continued von der Leyen, to further cheers.

The Brexit Party has made a poor showing in EU Parliament recently, with Robert Rowland making a notable gaffe when he tried to question the credentials of Green MEP Molly Scott-Cato.

WATCH: Brexit Party MEP makes himself laughing stock in EU parliament challengeIn the plenary session, von der Leyen continued: “We will respect the decision taken by the British people. We will work closely together to find solutions to common challenges, especially on security matters. But one thing has to be absolutely clear. Whatever the future holds, the bond and the friendship between our people are unbreakable.”

von der Leyen’s commission was approved as she received 461 votes in favour, 157 against, and 89 abstentions.