UKIP leaders have criticised Nigel Farage after the former party leader suggested he would support a second EU referendum.
Speaking on The Wright Stuff, Mr Farage admitted he would not necessarily oppose the move, seeing it as a chance to end the issue for a generation.
However, his comments were criticised by Brexiteers, including from his own party.
“Nigel Farage’s comments are inexplicable to me and everyone else in UKIP,” said London MEP and UKIP’s Brexit spokesperson Gerard Batten
“It merely helps the opponents of leaving the EU.
“He speaks for himself alone.
“UKIP is not in favour of a second referendum.”
Other Brexiteers were even more critical of the former UKIP leader.
“Farage’s comments appear to be little more than a desperate plea for attention,” said Hugh Bennett, deputy editor of Brexit Central and a former member of Vote Leave, speaking to Southwest Londoner.
“Throughout the referendum campaign he was more interested in publicity stunts and attacking his own side than campaigning to win.
“To hold a second referendum now would be needlessly divisive and call the integrity of our whole democratic system into question.”
Even some former Remainers disagree with Mr Farage, including Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond, who was removed from his role as vice chairman of the Conservative Party after voting against the government and in favour of article 7 of the Brexit Bill.
“We need to focus on getting the best deal,” said Mr Hammond.
“Farage is a barrier to getting the best deal we need as we leave the European Union, and is a warrior for a hard Brexit.”
However, the South East England MEP found some unlikely support from the Liberal Democrats.
“Support is now growing on both sides of the argument for a vote on the final deal,” said Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington and Lib Dem Brexit spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday.
“Tony Blair and Nigel Farage aren’t two people I’d normally like to be put in a group with, but on this issue they are speaking sense.”
Mr Farage did later attempt to walk back the comments, claiming the referendum may be “forced” upon Leave voters – however, by then, it appeared the damage had already been done.
