TV Presenter Piers Morgan has been slammed online for saying Brexit "won't be as bad as the two World Wars".
The Good Morning Britain host responded to a surge in speculation that Britain is headed for a soft exit from the European Union.
It follows an announcement from Down Street that the UK and EU have struck a draft deal in their negotiations.
Some Twitter users responded with fury to the television host's comments, which he made only a few days after Britain commemorated the centenary of the end of World War One.
I just find the doom & gloom Brexit=Apocalypse merchants so tedious. Whatever happens, it won’t be anything like as grim as the two World Wars. People need to get a grip. https://t.co/m1yTJoqLeQ
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 13, 2018
He attracted criticism for the post from dozens of users, including former Radio 5 Live presenter Richard Bacon, who sarcastically said: "I can't tell you how excited I am that Brexit won't be as bad as D Day", responding to the comments
I can’t tell you how excited I am that Brexit won’t be as bad as D Day. They should have put that on the buses. https://t.co/43YfVbO5wX
— richard bacon (@richardpbacon) November 13, 2018
"I’m sure you’ll survive Brexit just fine in your Los Angeles home mate, relax," Morgan responded.
In another tweet, Morgan qualified his comments, saying: "I voted Remain and would again. But we sorely need some perspective."
A flurry of messages called on Brexiteers to put the phrase on the side of a bus - referencing Boris Johnson's Vote Leave campaign coach which was emblazoned with the words: "We send £350m to the EU every year. Let's fund our NHS instead".
The assertion that the money could actually be freed up for the NHS was later reported to be false.
I just find the doom & gloom Brexit=Apocalypse merchants so tedious. Whatever happens, it won’t be anything like as grim as the two World Wars. People need to get a grip. https://t.co/m1yTJoqLeQ
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 13, 2018
Some commenters draw upon the history of the EU's founding, in part to prevent a third world war.
Has the EU helped prevent a Third World War?
— Matilda Susanna Wallows (@MatildaSwallows) November 13, 2018
While others agreed it was probably the most honest argument in favour of Brexit they could think of.
Sadly that’s probably the most honest argument a brexiter could make, that it won’t be as bad as the world wars. Still, the most vulnerable will suffer but you’ll be fine
— Rohan #Peoplesvote (@Chops8592) November 13, 2018