Vince Cable says results show Lib Dems are the ‘strongest Remain force in British politics’

Vince Cable, Guy Verhofstadt and former MEP Catherine Bearder - Credit: PA

Sir Vince Cable has branded the Liberal Democrats the ‘strongest Remain force in British politics’ after results put his party in second place to the Brexit Party.

In a statement, Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said: “Our clear, honest, unambiguous message has won us our best ever European election result, and pushed Corbyn’s Labour into third place.

“We have shown ourselves to be the strongest Remain force in British politics.

“We will always stand up for the people who have put their faith in us, taking this mandate forward to campaign harder than ever to stop Brexit.

“There is a clear lesson for Labour in tonight’s results: get off the fence. In trying to please everybody they have pleased nobody.

Vince Cable MP, Guy Verhofstadt and LibDem MEP Catherine Bearder with LD European election candidates and supporters in Camden Square on 10.05.19. Picture: Polly Hancock – Credit: Archant

“With a Tory leadership contest increasing the risk of a no-deal Brexit, Britain can no longer tolerate an opposition which ducks and dives on the biggest issue of the day.

“If you want to see an outward-looking Britain, standing tall in the world with our European partners, and offering opportunity to everyone at home, there is no better moment to shape the future of our party and our politics, by joining the Liberal Democrats.”

Brexit co-ordinator for the EU Parliament Guy Verhofstadt tweeted his congratulations to the Lib Dems.

In a tweet, he said: “Amazing result for the @LibDems. Congratulations to @vincecable. I look forward to welcoming a big delegation of pro-European Lib Dem MEPs to the European Parliament. Together we will fight for a better Europe!”

The Lib Dems came first in London and second in four other English regions.

Asked if Change UK MPs should now switch sides, Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson said “anyone with liberal values is obviously welcome to join” the party.

Swinson, who is expected to run for the Lib Dem leadership when Sir Vince steps down, told Sky News: “We are already working together and in Parliament, with the campaign for a people’s vote, the Liberal Democrats are working with Plaid Cymru, the Green Party, Change UK, the SNP and Labour and Conservative MPs who believe our best future is in the EU.”

She added: “These are our best ever EU election results. Uniting Alistair Campbell and Michael Heseltine in voting for the Liberal Democrats deserves commendation in itself.”