Nigel Farage, Jeremy Corbyn and other party leaders have their say as European election results roll in

Political leaders have reacted to the European election results after it emerged the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats were the biggest winners in the UK, punishing the Tories and Labour.

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage used his speech to warn the government that the huge swing away from the main parties should deliver a "huge message".

Jeremy Corbyn hinted Labour could move towards supporting a second referendum as it emerged his party took a beating in the European polls.

The Tories are without a leader, but hopeful replacement Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the "painful result", saying: "we knew it was coming".

Here's what the party leaders said:

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage

"Never before in British politics has a new party launched just six weeks ago topped the polls in a national election.

"The reason of course is very obvious: we voted to leave in a referendum, we were supposed to do so on March 29 and we haven't.

"There's a huge message here, massive message here - the Labour and Conservative parties could learn a big lesson from tonight - though I don't suppose that they actually will."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

"With the Conservatives disintegrating and unable to govern, and parliament deadlocked, this issue will have to go back to the people, whether through a general election or a public vote.

"Over the coming days we will have conversations across our party and movement, and reflect on these results on both sides of the Brexit divide.

"We will not let the continuing chaos in the Conservative Party push our country into a No Deal exit from the EU."

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable

"A brilliant set of EU results so far for the @LibDems. Making gains around the country with some really impressive swings in many seats.

"Proof that the Lib Dems are the biggest, strongest voice of Remain."

Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt

"Yes, we knew it was coming but still a painful result. Existential risk to our party unless we now come together and get Brexit done."

Change UK leader Heidi Allen

"The Brexit Party may well do well in this election tonight but they don't have any MPs in the House of Commons.

"It is MPs who hold the decision-making responsibility on what happens (on Brexit).

"Twice already we have categorically voted down no-deal. There's no way on earth no-deal will pass the House of Commons.

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

"Outstanding results so far tonight for @theSNP - on course for our best ever Euro election result. Polling way ahead of any other party.

"Higher % in Scotland than Brexit Party's current share in UK. Emphatically clear that Scotland doesn't want Brexit."