EU chief mocks UK's Brexit ambitions with comparison to limbless Monty Python knight

Claim 'whole of the European Union is going to suffer terribly because of Brexit is a bit rich frankly', says Dutch politician

Frans Timmermans likened Ukip MEP Ray Finch to the Black Night in 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' (Getty)

The first vice-president of the European Commission has mocked the UK's post-Brexit trade ambitions by comparing a Ukip MEP to a comically over-confident character from a Monty Python film.

Frans Timmermans likened Eurosceptic politician Ray Finch to the Black Knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a hopelessly optimistic character who refuses to concede a fight even after all his limbs are severed.

Mr Finch had told the Strasbourg assembly the EU would suffer while Britain was negotiating new trade agreements with countries outside the bloc.

Mr Timmermans responded saying the Eurosceptic politician operated according to the "Farage doctrine" of making "outrageous statements" and running away without waiting for a reaction.

He added that Mr Finch's claim "that the whole of the European Union is going to suffer terribly in the G20 [group of nations] because of Brexit is a bit rich frankly”.

“Mr Finch really reminds me of a character created by John Cleese in Monty Python’s the Holy Grail, the Black Knight, who after being defeated terribly and having all his limbs cut off says to his opponent ‘let’s call it a draw’," he continued.

Two weeks after the UK began formal negotiations to leave the EU, the Cabinet is fiercely divided over what the country's aims for Brexit should be.

The Department of International Trade (DIT), led by Liam Fox, has argued the UK should prioritise trade deals outside the EU. The department announced last week it will start talks on a US-UK trade deal in Washington on 24 July.

Meanwhile the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, is leading a drive for a lengthy transitional period, hoping to avoid a disastrous “cliff edge” for businesses as a result of leaving the EU with no trade deal.

Officials working for Mr Hammond have written an unpublished paper challenging DIT's argument for non-EU trade.

On Monday new Brexit minister Steve Baker slapped down colleagues arguing against a hard Brexit, saying there would be no compromise on Theresa May's plans.

It would be fatal show of weakness – “like putting blood in the water” – to let Brussels believe Britain is stepping back from the Prime Minister’s hardline proposals, set out in January, he warned.