British politicians who campaigned fiercely to leave the European Union have stepped down when the time came to implement the "Brexit", European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Tuesday, reiterating that there will not be any negotiations before the U.K. formally notifies of an exit.
Speaking at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Juncker said "the radiant heroes of yesterday were sad heroes of today", referring to "Brexit" campaigners Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage.
Johnson and Farage are "retro-nationalists and not patriots", Juncker said.
"Patriots do not go overboard when the situation is difficult. They remain," he added.
He also accused the "Brexit" camp of not having a plan ready in advance for exiting the EU.
"Instead of developing a plan, they are leaving the boat," he said.
"We are waiting for the notification – no negotiation before notification," Juncker reiterated.
Former London Mayor and a passionate "Brexit" campaigner, Johnson, unexpectedly bowed out of the race to be the next U.K. prime minister last week.
On Monday, Farage, who campaigned for "Brexit" for nearly two decades, stepped down as the leader of the U.K. Independence Party, saying he wanted "his life back".
Last month, a visibly annoyed Juncker told a triumphant Farage during a debate after "Brexit" that it will be the last time he was applauding in the European Parliament. He also expressed surprise at the presence of "Brexit" campaigners in the EU parliament.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron explained the "Brexit" vote to the EU 27 leaders during a summit last week.
Juncker said that if the U.K. wants to have a free access to the single market then the country will have to respect the four freedoms including the freedom of movement, echoing words of European Council President Donald Tusk.
The European Union wishes to have the U.K. as a close partner in future, Tusk said, adding that "leaders made it clear that access to the single market means acceptance of all four freedoms, including the freedom of movement."
The four freedoms are the free movement of people, goods, services and capital.
"We will not sell off our freedoms and there will be no single market "à la carte"," Tusk said, as he briefed the parliament of the outcome of last week's European Council summit.
An orderly exit was in the interest of everyone, especially the U.K., he added.
In the June 23 referendum, 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU in a historic and surprise move.
A day after, Cameron, who had passionately campaigned for the country to remain in the EU, said he will step down in October and the exit negotiations should take place under a new PM.
Johnson, who was widely seen as the top contender for the PM post, announced his decision not to join the fray after Justice Secretary and fellow "Brexit" campaigner Michael Gove threw his hat into the ring.
The Conservatives began the first round of electing their leader on Tuesday. The final result is expected on September 9.
Most Tory MPs have backed Home Secretary Theresa May, a "remain" campaigner.
Apart from Gove, others in the race are the Works and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, former defence secretary Liam Fox, and "Leave" campaigner and junior minister Andrea Leadsom.
by RTT Staff Writer
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