Britain must not be held hostage by European nations over “unacceptable demands” as it negotiates to leave the EU, Lord William Hague has warned.

The former Foreign Secretary used engineering and manufacturing trade association EEF’s annual lecture to warn of the dangers the UK faces as it navigates its way to Brexit. High on his list of risks was politicians at home or in Brussels seeking to delay Britain’s departure.

“The first step we have to make is a psychological one - we have to realise it is going to happen,” the Conservative peer said. “Some in the EU think if they make it terribly difficult to leave then we will change our mind. If they think that about the British public then they are wrong.”