Liberal MEP Guy Verhofstadt has ratcheted up rhetoric against Britain's Brexiteer government.

The Belgian rounded on Boris Johnson, accusing him of playing “a blame game against everybody”.

Speaking in the European Parliament, Mr Verhofstadt said: “The only one who is not to be blamed is Mr Johnson apparently, all those not playing his game are traitors or collaborators or surrenderers.

“In my opinion the real traitor is he or she who risks bringing disaster on his economy, on its citizens, by pushing Britain out of the EU.”

His remarks came as other MEPs suggested the UK could get an extension to its Brexit deadline - but only if British politicians agreed to a new general election or second referendum.