Senior Italian government officials say that the economic and social turbulence in Britain that has followed the withdrawal from the EU has been eye-opening, writes Kim Sengupta.

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

The Brexit Party has refused to rule out joining a new alliance far-right parties in the European Parliament, fuelling concerns that Nigel Farage could link up with extremist parties once safely re-elected.

Politicians from mainstream parties across Europe have called on voters to shun the far right in this week’s European elections after Austria’s vice-chancellor resigned over a video sting that showed him offering public contracts in exchange for financial and campaign backing.

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

Brexiteers are lobbying among EU nations for a veto to an extension of Article 50, it has been reported. The UK needs approval from all EU member states before any request for an extension to the Brexit deadline can be granted. And in theory one veto would be enough to derail the request.