Brexiteers hate foreigners and are not patriotic, says Mandelson
BREXITEERS are “nationalists” who “hate foreigners” and are not “patriots” like those campaigning for a second referendum, Lord Mandelson has said.
The former Labour cabinet minister and European trade commissioner described leading Eurosceptics as “Brextremists”.
Lord Mandelson claimed that the Eurosceptic backlash against the Prime Minister’s Chequers compromise proved the need for a second referendum, and told LBC Radio: “Patriotism is love of your country. Wanting to stand up for your country, wanting to serve the best interests of your country.
“Nationalism, on the other hand, is a hatred of foreigners – and that’s what they are. They are nationalists and they should not be confused with patriots.
“I feel I am patriotic. I want the best for Britain – it’s why I voted Remain in the referendum though I entirely respect the contrary view of many oth- ers. These Brextremists are not like that.
“They are nationalists in the sense that they hate other countries, and they hate foreigners. And that is, in my view, what motivates them and drives their behaviour.”
Jacob Rees-mogg, a leading Tory Eurosceptic MP, said: “Perhaps Lord Mandelson should not confuse truth with fiction.”
Nigel Evans, another Tory Eurosceptic MP, said: “His incendiary description is an appalling attack. He should take his hefty EU pension, which hardpressed British taxpayers are guaranteeing and paying post-brexit, and go and live in Brussels where he will clearly feel more at home.
“He and his distasteful views will not be missed.” In an article for The Independent, Lord Mandelson also dismissed suggestions from Brexiteers that “what we lose in Europe we can easily pick up from the likes of India and China” in post-brexit trade deals.
He said: “I used to negotiate trade deals: these faraway, fast-growing countries, which need us less than those close by, are not going to do us favours. The same goes for Trump’s America.”
His comments came as Theresa May faced a backlash from Eurosceptics who accused her of scaremongering over her no-deal plans.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman denied claims that the Army is on standby for a no-deal Brexit emergency, and said: “We have been absolutely clear that it’s in the interests not just of ourselves but the EU to get a deal.”