UKIP chairman Paul Nuttall has been accused of insulting the memory of those who fought for freedom in two world wars by describing the EU symbol as “a flag of occupation.”

Chris Davies, the Liberal Democrat MEP who represents the same North West region in the European Parliament, claimed that the words amounted to xenophobia and were unacceptable.

Davies said, “This is grossly insulting to the memory of all those who died in the two world wars of the 20th century.

“Whatever people may think of the European Union as an organisation, no-one can deny that it was created by people determined to ensure such tragic and unnecessary conflicts could never happen again.

“Like every part of government the European Union is imperfect, but it is a voluntary partnership between 27 countries committed to the principles of democracy, freedom and justice.  It exists to ensure that conflicts between nations that in the past led to the bloody deaths of millions can instead be resolved by peaceful means.

“In his desire for publicity Paul Nuttall should try and be mature enough never to pander to xenophobia of the most vile kind.”