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In a sign of the high emotions in Brussels on Tuesday, a debate in the European Parliament turned into an exchange of barbs between UK Independence Party chief Nigel Farage and European Union officials.

After Mr. Farage applauded a mention of the Brexit vote, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that he was surprised the British politician was present since he had f ought for Britain's exit from the EU. "Why are you here?" he asked.

Mr. Farage, seated close to Mr. Juncker and with a British flag at his desk, responded that most of his fellow European lawmakers had "never had a proper job before" and recalled how many had laughed long ago when he vowed to campaign to get Britain out of the EU. "You're not laughing now, are you?" he said.

"You, as a political project, are in denial," he said, predicting that more member-states would follow the U.K.'s leadbefore urging the EU to negotiate a mutually beneficial new relationship. European President Martin Schulz called for order as other lawmakers booed.

In response, Mr. Juncker accused Mr. Farage of lying to voters about the budgetary impact of a Brexit vote—to a round of applause. Mr. Juncker also said he didn't want the U.K. to delay the triggering of Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets out the procedure for a member state leaving the bloc. "I would like the U.K. to provide a position, not today not tomorrow, but swiftly…we cannot be embroiled in lasting uncertainty," he said.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 28, 2016 21:25 ET (01:25 GMT)

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