Monster of hypocrisy

SINCE Brexit talks began, Brussels negotiators have rebuffed nearly every reasonable compromise by pointing to the EU’s immutable legal order.

In truth, the Eurocratic class are more than happy to toss their sacred rule book out the window when it serves their interests. Consider the recent double promotion of Jean-Claude Juncker’s right-hand man and arch-federalist Martin Selmayr.

Dubbed ‘the Monster’ for his ruthlessness, Selmayr was parachuted into the powerful job of deputy secretary-general of the European Commission. His boss resigned and – hey presto! – he had the top job.

As a damning official report concluded this week, this stitch-up broke both the ‘spirit and letter’ of EU rules. Yet nobody – and certainly not Selmayr or his gin- soaked sponsor – will face any consequences.

Yesterday, Selmayr was unrepentant. ‘Resign? I think resignations are for other people’, he sneered, before jumping into his chauffeur-driven official car.

Arrogant, unaccountable and remote, Selmayr embodies much of what is wrong with the EU, and why so many Britons voted to leave.