The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

Brexit Party MEPs turn backs as EU’s anthem plays at parliament

- Lib Dem MEP Martin Horwood in an anti-Brexit T-shirt

Newly-elected Brexit Party MEPs turned their backs during a rendition of Ode To Joy in the European Parliament as chaotic scenes marked the opening day of the new legislatur­e in Strasbourg.

Party leader Nigel Farage and his group of MEPs, including Ann Widdecombe and Annunziata Rees-Mogg performed the protest as representa­tives gathered for the first session since May’s European elections.

Ukip’s MEPs – then led by Mr Farage – performed the same political stunt at the start in 2014.

Paul Nuttall, the party’s deputy leader at the time, said it had been intended to send a message that they did not “recognise or respect the EU flag or anthem”.

Others in the parliament refused to stand at all as the EU’s anthem – composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1824 – was played by a jazz ensemble.

Reflecting the political divisions being felt over Brexit in the UK, Liberal Democrat MEPs took their seats wearing yellow T-shirts emblazoned with an anti-Brexit slogan.

The Brexit Party and Lib Dems – each with opposing of the session views on leaving the EU – came first and second respective­ly in the EU polls.

Nigel Farage tweeted an image of his party’s protest, saying: “The Brexit Party has already made its presence felt.”

However, Labour MP David Lammy posted: “Brexit Party MEPs turning their backs on Europe, as they do their best to isolate the UK from the world.

“This is petty, smallminde­d Little England at its worst. These plonkers do a proud and open nation a disservice. Shame on them.”

And Conservati­ve MP Nicholas Soames tweeted: “Truly pathetic oafish childish behaviour by Brexit and Liberal MEPs #growup.”

Protests were also held against the decision to deny a seat to Catalan independen­ce campaigner Carles Puigdemont and in defence of a German ship captain held in Italy in a row over migrant rights.

Yesterday marked the opening of the new five-year session of the parliament, though the length of the UK’s involvemen­t is in doubt.

UK MEPs may sit in the parliament until the country formally leaves the EU.

A deadline of October 31 has currently been set for the UK to leave, but this might be extended if a deal is not found by then.

 ??  ?? Brexit Party MEPs Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage and Richard Tice stage their protest at the start of the European Parliament’s new session in Strasbourg
Brexit Party MEPs Ann Widdecombe, Nigel Farage and Richard Tice stage their protest at the start of the European Parliament’s new session in Strasbourg
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