Bitter exchanges in EU parliament debate

Mr Cameron had to pass a wall of press cameras to breach the summit venue...
(Image: EPA)

The European Parliament's first debate on the UK's vote to leave has been marked by bitter exchanges.

A central figure in the Leave campaign, UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage, was booed, called a liar and accused of using "Nazi propaganda".

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Mr Farage shot back that the EU itself was "in denial".

UK Prime Minister David Cameron is meeting leaders of the other 27 EU states for the first time since Thursday's referendum.

and was visibly more relaxed inside, chatting to French President Francois Hollande and other leaders  (Image: Reuters)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel offered him an embrace  (Image: Reuters)

"I'll be explaining that Britain will be leaving the European Union but I want that process to be as constructive as possible," he told reporters before the summit's working dinner in Brussels.

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An EU official close to the talks told BBC News the mood was "very, very serious" and a question mark hung over the UK's next presidency of the EU, due to begin in the second half of next year.

"The leaders are very interested in hearing the UK's timeline but everyone knows Cameron won't trigger Article 50 [the first formal step in the withdrawal procedure]," the source added.

The announcement of Mr Cameron's replacement as leader of the Conservative Party, and thus prime minister, is not due now until 9 September, with 12:00 BST Thursday as the deadline for nominations.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned against delay in starting the exit process: "I don't think we should see any shadow-boxing or any cat-and-mouse games. It is clear what the British people want and we should act accordingly."

'Why are you here?'

The European Parliament passed a motion urging the UK to start the exit process by triggering Article 50 immediately.

Opening the session, Mr Juncker said the will of the British people must be respected, prompting shouting and clapping from Mr Farage.

"You were fighting for the exit, the British people voted in favour of the exit - why are you here?" Mr Juncker responded, to applause from others in parliament.