Iain Martin, who is also a Times columnist, outlined his ideas in an op-ed posted on the Reaction website today. Tweeting a link to the article, he commented: “Divided EU: sausage and fish wars conceal deeper tensions. The reality is that the European Union is now ruptured by tensions, rivalries and conflicting national interests.”

       Separately, Boris Johnson has "ignored" the chance to make good on his pledge to "take back control" after Brexit by approving dramatic cuts to VAT which would put cash back in the pockets of hard-working Britons, a Brexit campaigner has said.

       Jayne Adye, director of Get Britain Out, said: “When we were part of the EU the UK was forced to implement the tax on goods, seen by the EU as non-essential or a luxury, this included goods like female hygiene products.

       “Even household fuel bills were included and currently have VAT added, although at a reduced rate of five percent - as well as additional green taxes.”

       She added: “Too often the Government has ignored the chances to break away from the EU status quo. We must not allow this to continue, otherwise we will simply end up a mirror image of the EU, without any of the benefits Brexit can provide.”

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