Video
Tory Brexiteer MP says ‘country will explode’ if we don’t leave EU on October 31st
Mark Francois presents the government's EU referendum leaflet to Ash Sarkar on the BBC's Politics Live. Photograph: BBC. - Credit: Archant
Tory Brexiteer Mark Francois has claimed the 'country will explode' if the UK does not leave the European Union on October 31st.
Speaking on BBC's Politics Live alongside left-wing journalist Ash Sarkar, the Leave MP and deputy chairman of the ERG was asked about the newly-passed law preventing a no-deal Brexit on October 31st.
"As a principle you should comply with the law, but as I understand it people are looking extremely careful at the act to see what it does or does not mandate you to do."
Presenter Jo Coburn pointed out that it does at least force the prime minister to request an extension to Article 50.
Francois simply answered: "I think if we don't leave on 31st of October, this country will explode."
You may also want to watch:
A bemused Sarkar responded: "I don't think the country will explode, I don't think that's the case" but the Brexiteer continued to try to suggest otherwise.
"Look at the results at the European elections!" he told her, pointing to the fact Farage was in the lead.
Most Read
- 1 Tory minister admits UK rejected EU's music visa offer in order to 'take back control' of borders
- 2 Priti Patel fails to appear in Commons to answer questions on missing police records
- 3 Iain Duncan Smith defends calling Donald Trump 'a decent man'
- 4 Kwasi Kwarteng confirms post-Brexit review of workers' rights
- 5 The bigot we should have called out on day one
- 6 Bob Geldof vindicated over pro-EU fishing stunt, suggests broadcaster
- 7 Susanna Reid takes on Priti Patel over government's gaslighting of public on coronavirus
- 8 Leave EU website suspended after EU registry blocks move to Ireland
- 9 Brexiteer MP criticised after suggesting No 10 should break Northern Ireland Protocol
- 10 Senior Tories plan rebellion to back genocide clause to the Trade Bill
Sarkar said there would be "justified anger" but she added that it just meant Brexit would head in the direction of where it was always going to go, which is back "in the hands of the electorate".
MORE: WILL SELF - The story behind my stand-off with Mark Francois
MORE: Mark Francois says wrecking car industry after no-deal Brexit would 'at least be our choice'
"In a referendum or an election?" asked the Telegraph's Christopher Hope. "Or possibly a combination of the two," responded Sarkar.
Francois continued to chunter: "And now the Lib Dems have ruled out the possibility of the two!"
The Brexiteer also referenced the booklet that the government sent out before the EU referendum reading that it was "your decision" and the "government will implement what you decide".
He told Sarkar: "This was the decision that the British people were allowed to take, they voted Leave and people like you will never, ever accept it!"
She pointed out that "Tthe electorate elected a hung parliament in 2017, which is a mandate for compromise".
During the programme Francois was angered by Sam Gyimah's defection to the Lib Dems, and the press conference called by Luxembourg's prime minister.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.