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FormerPMMajor denounces ‘vitriolic’ ultra-Brexiteers as totally un-British

Sir John Major has launched a fresh attack on “ultra-Brexiteers” in the Conservative Party, accusing them of seeking to force a complete break with Europe.

The former PM said that, having won the referendum last year with “fake facts and bogus promises”, the “ultras” were now shouting down anyone who expressed an opposing view.

He warned that if Britain failed to strike a deal with the remaining EU states and was forced to fall back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules – as some hardline Brexit supporters advocate – it would be “disadvantageous in every way”.

Sir John did not name names, but his comments will be seen as being aimed at leading Leave campaigners such as Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and Iain Duncan Smith.

He said the “ultras” were lashing out with “vitriolic and personal attacks” because they were terrified their triumph of taking the country out of Europe would be snatched away.

“It is time for the minority of ‘ultra-Brexiteers’ – those who believe in a complete break from Europe – to stop shouting down anyone with an opposing view. It is not only unattractive but profoundly undemocratic and totally un-British,” he said.