The Lib Dems have gained a new member every minute since Brexit vote People have been joining the Liberal Democrats at the rate of one a minute since Britain voted to leave the […]

People have been joining the Liberal Democrats at the rate of one a minute since Britain voted to leave the European Union, the party said.

It reported a surge in applications since Tim Farron, the party’s leader, committed it to fighting the next election on a promise to rejoin the EU.

“As the other two parties leave the field of battle, it falls to us to fight for our European future.” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Tim Farron

The party said it had attracted 6,000 new recruits – many turning to the Lib Dems through social media – since the the pro-Brexit vote was announced on Friday morning.

Mr Farron said: “A lot of people have felt this very deeply. They are concerned that the Brexit leaders clearly had no economic plan and are understandably fearful about what lies ahead for jobs and investment.

“But more even than that, these new members want to demonstrate that Britain remains an internationalist, open and optimistic country.

“We are now the only party committed to keeping our place in Europe. As the other two parties leave the field of battle, it falls to us to fight for our European future.”

The spike in membership comes on top of an increase of 20,000 after the party’s general election massacre in which it lost all but eight of its 57 parliamentary seats.

Green surge

The Green Party also said it had signed up 50 new members every hour since the result.

Caroline Lucas, its sole MP, said: “While the other parties fight among themselves, the Green Party, and our many new members who have joined in the last few days, will take a stand against any austerity or slashing of environmental legislation that may come with Brexit.”