Barnier Isis fight remarks '˜beneath contempt' says UUP MEP

Mr Barnier made the widely reported comments at a security conference in Berlin.

Referring to Brexit, Mr Barnier said: “It was a decision that came after a series of attacks on European soil, committed by young people who grew up in Europe, in our countries.

“It was a decision that came six months after the French minister of defence issued a call for solidarity to all his European counterparts to join forces to fight the terrorism of Daesh.”

He added: “Never had the need to be together, to protect ourselves together, to act together been so strong, so manifest. Yet rather than stay shoulder to shoulder with the union, the British chose to be on their own again.”

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson said: “Michel Barnier’s comments are absolutely disgusting and beneath contempt. He should apologise immediately and withdraw them. The UK has faced down the terrorism of the IRA and will also face down ISIS.

“This has come at a huge cost to British citizens and our brave Armed Forces who have spilt their blood in standing up for freedom and democracy.”

He continued: “For Barnier to even suggest that the UK ran away from tackling ISIS shows how truly deluded he and his ilk are.

“The United Kingdom has been at the forefront of fighting terrorism and will remain so.”