OPPONENTS of the European Union have been branded the “anti-EU Taliban” by a Bolton MEP.

Sajjad Karim, who represents the North West for the Conservatives in Brussels, claimed some opponents “refused to accept other viewpoints” about Britain’s membership.

He said he used to term “Taliban” to highlight anti-EU supporters who he claimed “stifle debate” by putting forward “emotional and skewered arguments”.

He said: “I have not used that term lightly, that’s exactly what they are. You are no longer allowed to hold a view unless it’s the same view as them.”