By Ajay Nair for the Express

Read original at: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/799763/Tory-MEP-Daniel-Hannan-rips-into-Juncker-mutually-advantageous-Brexit-michel-barnier

LEADING Brexiteer Daniel Hannan has scolded the President of the European Commission after details of his meeting with Theresa May was leaked to the German press.

The Tory MEP blasted Jean-Claude Junker after reports suggested Jean-Claude Juncker said he was ”10 times more sceptical” about Mrs May after their recent meeting in Downing Street.

The Leave campaigner spoke to talkRADIO following the EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, gave a speech insisting the UK “settle accounts” before leaving the bloc.

Mr Hannan said: “Junker has ensured that the talks begin in an atmosphere of mistrust and recrimination.

“Do you know what, I actually think he personally doesn’t want a mutually advantageous outcome.

“I think most of the member states do but I think he regards a prosperous United Kingdom in a friendly relationship with the EU as a threat to the doctrine of ever closer union.”

He agreed that Mr Juncker felt free to act in his own interests as he was not directly elected or the leader of his own country.

Mr Hannan added: “The treaties are very clear, we’re dealing ultimately here with the other 27 so Juncker is trying to elbow his way into the process.”

Speaking about a potential Brexit bill of up to £85billion – or €100bn – he said suggested it had been “plucked from the air”.

“This 100bn figure, it’s a suspiciously round figure, isn’t it? Almost as though someone had just plucked it from the air,” he said.

“I think there is a tendency in Brussels, I don’t think it’s the majority, but there’s definitely a group of people who are not looking for an equitable deal, who don’t want a mutually advantageous outcome, but who are still in shock that we blasphemed against the doctrine of ever closer union and I think this is their shot.”

The comments come after Mr Barnier accused some Brexit supporters in London of still harbouring “illusions” about the ease and speed with which a deal can be reached with Brussels.

He said: “Some have created the illusion that Brexit would have no material impact on our lives or that negotiations can be concluded quickly and painlessly. This is not the case. 

“We need sound solutions, we need legal precision, and this will take time.”

Read original at: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/799763/Tory-MEP-Daniel-Hannan-rips-into-Juncker-mutually-advantageous-Brexit-michel-barnier