. . . and EU’s ‘Baby Thatcher’ who accused Theresa of blackmail
HE has declared himself as the defender of Europe who will stand in Britain’s way if it refuses to bow to the EU’s demands during Brexit talks.
But gap-toothed Guy Verhofstadt, who yesterday accused Theresa May of blackmail, is a devoted Anglophile who was once known as ‘Baby Thatcher’.
The former Belgian prime minister, 3, has used his role as chief negotiator for the European Parliament to draw up a list of tough demands that must be met by the UK during negotiations.
The arch-federalist has vigorously pursued a dream of a United States of Europe, and could prove to be the biggest thorn in Mrs May’s side.
While Brexit threatens this dream, Anglophile Mr Verhofstadt is also likely to feel a personal loss. He has a Union Jack fridge, races a 1950s Aston Martin and his present reading material includes a book on Winston Churchill that positions the war leader as a firm believer in Europe.
As a young Flemish politician Mr Verhofstadt was nicknamed Baby Thatcher because he tried to reform socialist-leaning Belgium with free market politics.
Ironically, some of his key rivals in British politics are among the UK’s most staunch Remainers.
He had a deep-seated rivalry with Nick Clegg after the Lib Dem refused to back him during an EU leadership contest.
And he has never forgiven Tony Blair for blocking his lifetime ambition of becoming European Commission President in 2004.
Among current proposals by Mr Verhofstadt, who led Belgium between 2008 and 2009, is to create an EU secret service.