PARIS, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Britain's destiny lies in Europe and the country had been sold "a sort of mirage" with Brexit, said European Union industry chief Thierry Breton on Sunday, as he commented on the political turmoil currently afflicting the UK.

Fishing rows notwithstanding, much of Europe looks on at the UK’s plight with astonishment – and even, still, sympathy.

‘Look at what’s going on with store shelves’ and ‘the restocking of fuel,’ says Thierry Breton.

Thierry Breton, the French politician who is also the European Commission's internal market commissioner, said on Tuesday that Brexit was a "catastrophe" for the United Kingdom.

He said Brexit was supposed to take back control and boost the UK's international position, but we are seeing "pretty much the opposite".

Thierry Breton, who is also single market commissioner, believes downsides of leaving bloc are exposed by pandemic