Britain's departure from the bloc sent shock waves reverberating throughout Europe following nearly 50 years of membership. A year on and Britain has wasted little time capitalising on its newfound Brexit freedom, signing a number of lucrative trade deals with countries around the world.

       Campaign groups from some of the EU's largest and most prominent member states - including France, Italy and the Netherlands - are now pressing for their countries to follow the UK out of the bloc.

       Nile Gardiner, a foreign policy analyst and former aide to Margaret Thatcher, warned attempts from certain countries to push for more "euro federalism" could trigger fightback from others which could see a "two-tier Europe" emerging.

       The foreign policy analyst told Express.co.uk: "European elites fear democracy and letting their own public vote on European membership.

       "You will see more attempts by EU leaders to consolidate power and a greater drive for euro federalism.

       "The French will drive that and the Germans might be on board with some of that agenda.

       "You will see some Governments pushing for more central control by Brussels but there will be a huge fightback from Central and European countries who don't want to see that.

       "Scandinavian countries won't want to see further integration in Europe so you could see a two-tier Europe emerging."

       Now Britons have lashed out at the "controlling" EU superstate and said it is "not fit for purpose".

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       Express.co.uk reader, Keevee, commented: "A Euro not fit for purpose, EU leaders are prepared to impose huge costs on the public to achieve their goal of a centrally controlled, authoritarian superstate.

       "Look at Greece and Italy. An agriculture policy that is fine for France, but not for the East EU countries."

       A second reader, known as Skar, wrote: "Well as only a common market it was just bearable. As a controlling EU superstate it’s intolerable."

       Dolphin Boy added: "The EU thought no one could leave their cabal. Remember, the establishment was signed up. It took a lot of effort and luck for the UK to leave. Please someone else have the guts too...

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       A third reader, known as europoorcommie, said: "The EU is the union that works on protectionism. Tariffs. Barriers. Secret clubs, payments, rubber stamps in parliament and putting up borders to trades and partnerships.

       "The UK meanwhile is making deals with the economic powerhouses of the future, not the stagnant EU that seeks to control everyone and everything within it's grasp. Ukraine, they're coming for you too."

       Mother Shabubu said: "Time will tell, but I believe the UK has been truly blessed to make the decision it made to remove itself from the EU.

       "It isn't too far away from the EU dictating to its members. The signs are already there with Poland."