The author and former Conservative candidate said the EU was afraid of the UK having a “proper Eurosceptic” in charge because that would mean a “proper Brexit”. Appearing on BBC Newsnight, Mr Dale also said French president Emmanuel Macron had made the EU negotiations difficult because “a bit of Brit-bashing does him a lot of good domestically”. His comments came just before the Prime Minister announced the EU had granted the UK an extension on Article 50 until October 31.

Reports suggest Mr Macron had been pushing to have a shorter extension but eventually agree to the new Halloween date.

An official claimed that by allowing extra time, Mr Macron feared the political turmoil in the UK could be transferred to the EU.

But while talking to the show’s presenter Emily Maitlis, Mr Dale said: “What they are most afraid of is a proper Eurosceptic who will say enough is enough we will have a proper Brexit now.

“They would block one or two of the things going which while a member we can still do.

“But we’re in a humiliating position now with the French saying they will only agree to a long extension if we behave ourselves.

“We’re becoming a colony of the EU with Mr Macron speaking like that.”

Mr Dale added: “A lot of what he is saying is for domestic consumption because he currently has a 27 percent approval rating.

“He’s having a horrible time of it so a bit of Brit-bashing does him a lot of good domestically.”

The Brexit delay will still see Britain forced to hold European Parliament elections on May 23 as one of the guarantees demanded by Brussels.

Malta’s prime minister Joseph Muscat described the compromise as “sensible”.

EU leaders spent six hours debating, with French president Emmanuel Macron attempt to force the UK into a short delay of Brexit.

A review of Brexit negotiations to offer an update will be held at the June 21 European Council.

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