Leave.EU has issued an apology for a tweet showing a picture of Angela Merkel with the words: “We didn’t win two world wars to be pushed around by a Kraut.”
The tweet, which was part of a series of messages issued by Leave.EU yesterday came in response to reports from a “No 10 source” that Angela Merkel had insisted that Northern Ireland remains within the European Union’s customs union post-Brexit.
Mr Johnson’s official spokesperson later refused to confirm whether this was an accurate account of the phone call between the two leaders.
READ MORE: Sterling plunges as No 10 fuels no-deal Brexit fears
The tweet sparked outrage on social media with the co-founder of the organisation Arron Banks later saying that it “went too far”
He added: “On reflection, the point could have been made better.”
Leave.EU tweeted “We’re sorry”, alongside an emoji of a downcast face.
We're sorry 😔 @Arron_banks @andywigmore https://t.co/5sHSgNILY2
— Leave.EU (@LeaveEUOfficial) October 9, 2019
The reports generated an irate response from European Council president Donald Tusk, who accused Mr Johnson of playing a “stupid blame game” risking “the future of Europe and the UK”.
Dear Germany and the EU, please accept our apologies and do not be fooled into thinking Leave EU's xenophobic bile is representative of the UK.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) October 8, 2019
A clear majority of Brits now oppose Brexit in all its forms. A vast, young and vibrant pro-EU movement in Britain stands with you. pic.twitter.com/p155Y0Stfs
Many spoke out against the organisation with Piers Morgan "Your meme isn’t meant as a joke, is grotesquely offensive, and makes you guys look like racist idiots. Is that the look you’re after?"
READ MORE: Leaked papers show EU leaders giving short shrift to Boris Johnson's Brexit proposals
Despite outcry at the time, Leave.EU jested that the criticism was due to the "permanently offended liberal blue tick brigade"
Leave.EU has since deleted all tweets.
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