Brexit Party MEPs turn backs on EU anthem as protests mar first session of new parliament

Brexit Party MEPs turned their backs during a rendition of Ode To Joy in the European Parliament as chaotic scenes marked the opening day of the new legislature in Strasbourg.

Pro-Catalan supporters. Picture: Getty

Leader Nigel Farage and newly elected candidates including Ann Widdecombe and Annunziata Rees-Mogg performed the protest as representatives gathered for the first session since May's European elections.

Ukip's MEPs - then led by Mr Farage - performed the same political stand at the start of the session in 2014.

Paul Nuttall, the party's deputy leader at the time, said it was intended to send a message that they did not "recognise or respect the EU flag or anthem".

The Brexit Party protest. Picture: Getty

Others in the parliament refused to stand at all as the EU's anthem - composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1824 - was played by a jazz ensemble.

Reflecting the political divisions being felt over Brexit in the UK, Liberal Democrat MEPs took their seats wearing yellow "bollocks to Brexit" T-shirts.

The Brexit Party and Lib Dems - each with opposing views on leaving the EU - came first and second respectively in the EU polls.

Protests were also held against the decision to deny a seat to Catalan separatist Carles Puigdemont and in defence of a German ship captain being held in Italy in a row over migrant rights.

Tuesday marks the opening of the new five-year session of the parliament, though the length of the UK's involvement remains in doubt.

UK MEPs may sit in the parliament until the country formally leaves the EU.

A deadline of October 31 has currently been set for the UK to leave, though this could be extended if a deal is not found by then.