The MP for Clwyd West said: “Michel Barnier’s comments underline how much the EU is missing the UK and how desperate it is for us to rejoin.

“But the British people made their decision seven years ago. And, frankly, being stuck again in the single market and the customs union is not much of an enticement.

“And what Michel Barnier didn’t mention is that joining members of the EU are required to join the single currency, meaning we would have to give up the pound sterling.

“So, while it’s flattering that Michel wants us back, I’m sure most Brits would rather keep their independence.”

Mr Jones’s view was backed by one of the Tory MPs elected in the former Labour Red Wall on the back of the Brexit vote.

Another senior Brexiteer messaged Express.co.uk saying he did not have anything publishable to say about Barnier with an emoji indicating fury.

But Barnier’s words do indicate that the EU may be getting worried about Britain finding success after Brexit with it about to join a rival trade bloc the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as well as senior US politicians being supportive of a UK/ US trade deal.

Britain has also avoided having to fork out tens of billions for an EU bailout package following the pandemic and lockdown.