The European Commission has taken Hungary to court over a controversial new law that makes it illegal to give assistance to asylum seekers.

Intervention comes soon after Johnson aide calls for 'special relationship' with Hungarian government

'I've spoken to ambassadors from various countries and there is no hope of us getting a veto to stop an extension'

ID’s influence doubtful, however, after falling short in aim to become third-biggest bloc.

This week, Orban pulled his Fidesz party from the biggest political group in the European Parliament, the European People's Party (EPP), avoiding an all-but-certain expulsion after changes to its internal rules.

Turmoil at home raises trepidation abroad - with European observers increasingly of view that British democracy is dying.