To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Cries of ‘shame’ rang out in the House of Lords yesterday after the Ukip bench called for EU nationals living in Britain to be employed potentially as bargaining chips in negotiations with Brussels.

Nigel Farage slammed for using refugees fleeing war in Ukip Brexit poster

Lord Pearson of Rannoch, the former leader of the eurosceptic party, asked the Lords if it was not true that it was we – Britain – who ‘hold the stronger hand’ because there are 3million EU nationals living in the United Kingdom and 1.2million British living in the EU.

‘When present tensions have calmed down, why would either Brussels or London want to do anything to upset this mutually beneficial situation?’ Lord Pearson said.

Lord Pearson said Britain had the ‘stronger hand’ due to the migrant deficit

‘Do the Government agree however, that if the EU were to get difficult with our nationals living there, it is we who would hold the stronger hand if we retaliate, because so many more of them are living here?’


Irony is dead: UKIP MEP appeals to EU for help in libel case

The comments were met with cries of ‘shame’ from the House.



The Lib Dem Lords Twitter account said the remarks amounted to using EU nationals as ‘hostages’.

Social media users were roundly critical of Lord Pearson.

One wrote: ‘My Bulgarian wife is not a hostage.’

MORE: This house is like the inside of every cat lady’s heart

MORE: Drag queen jailed for 10 years after mowing down lesbian couple

MORE: Boy, 13, invents robotic shopping trolley for his nan