Tony Blair declares that Britain can still avoid a Brexit and stay in the European Union

BRITAIN can still avoid a Brexit and stay in the European Union – Tony Blair declared today.

The former Prime Minister told French radio said there were no laws to say pro-EU campaigners had to stop debating Britain’s place in the world.

3

Speaking in fluent French, he told Europe 1 the country still didn’t know what Brexit means. And he said he didn’t believe a referendum was “necessary”.

He admitted remaining in the EU wasn’t “probable” given Theresa May’s stance.

But he added: “As I have said the debate continues and I think it’s possible yes.

3

“Who makes the rule that we have to end the debate now?”

He insisted the public could decide a Brexit was a bad idea once the terms of a divorce are handed down by Brussels.

RELATED STORIES:

THE SUN SAYS

PM's immigration red line is a great start, but she must prevent drift over the rest of our Brexit terms

MAY'S RED LINE

Cabinet agrees to demand end to free movement as part of trade deal with Europe after Brexit

'WE'RE GOING TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF IT'

Theresa May tells Cabinet there can be no attempt to stay in the EU

BREXIT BOUNCE

House prices continue to rise since Brexit despite ‘Project Fear’ claims leaving EU would cause crash

The committed Europhile added: “I wasn’t in agreement with having a referendum, I didn’t think it was necessary.

“At the moment debate is continuing because – as I said – we don’t know what Brexit means.

3

“What does it mean for the single market, what does it mean for car manufacturers and financial services and bankers and the free movement of people?”

The comments come just a week after the former Labour leader insisted immigration was good for the country as it brought “fresh energy”.

And he refused to rule out a second referendum on the June 23 vote – saying debate should not be “shut down” by the Tories.