Blair on Ukip: Nationalism can never disguise its essentially mean spirit

He said: “National pride is a great thing, nationalism as a political cause in the hands of parties like Ukip is almost always ugly and can never, despite being wrapped in the garb of high sounding phrases, disguise its essentially mean spirit.”

Earlier today Nigel Farage welcomed Mr Blair’s intervention. He said: “Finally a chance to have a proper debate about the impact of the EU on British national life during this general election campaign.

“Blair was PM when the government promised a referendum on the EU constitution before the name of that was changed to the “Lisbon Treaty” and he cynically withdrew his offer.”

“Blair was also an enthusiast for British membership of the Eurozone and had personal ambitions to become “President of Europe”, and how has that worked out for Europe and him?”