THE Green Party’s MEP for the south west Molly Scott Cato made an emotional final speech in European Parliament.

Ms Cato held back tears as she bid farewell to her international colleagues and suggested that the UK’s EU exodus may not be permanent.

She said: “In spite of the powerful campaign we’ve waged for four years, with grief and regret I accept that we will be leaving the European Union.

“Our future as a country has no clear shape beyond a few slogans and this means that we have some very important political tasks ahead.

“As the Brexit losses mount, we must counter the betrayal narrative where those who promoted the doomed strategy tried to shift the blame for the damage it caused to the EU and to those who argued against it.

“We must demonstrate compassion and solidarity with EU citizens living in the UK who feel vulnerable and fearful. We must revitalise the friendship groups and twinning associations that thrived before we joined the EU.

“Now is not the time to campaign to re-join but we must keep the dream alive, especially for young people who are overwhelmingly pro-European

“I hold in my heart the knowledge that one day I will be back in this chamber celebrating our return to the heart of Europe.”

The Green MEP’s remarks received a round of applause. Her Liberal Democrat counterparts Martin Horwood and Caroline Voaden sympathised while the region’s Brexit Party MEPs Ann Widdecombe, James Glancy and Christina Jordan jubilantly cheered and waved miniature flags before leaving the building.