Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage were mocked as the "sad heroes of Brexit" and "retro-nationalists" in a blistering speech by EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker today. 

"Yesterday's shining heroes of Brexit have become the sorrowful heroes of today," Mr Juncker told the European Parliament.

"They are retro-nationalists, not patriots. Patriots don't abandon ship when the going gets tough. They stay on board."

Mr Juncker condemned the lack of planning in London following the UK's Brexit referendum vote. 

"I could understand that the Brexit camp needs weeks to reflect. But I don't understand that the Brexit camp needs months before knowing what to do. I would have thought that they would have had a plan," he said.

"Instead of developing a plan they are leaving the boat."

The EU Commissioner took a tough line on exit negotiations, saying there could be "no negotiation" before the UK formally notified the EU of its intention to leave the union. 

"Those who want free access to the internal market have to respect the four freedoms, including freedom of movement." 

Former London mayor Mr Johnson abandoned a much mooted Conservative party leadership bid that many expected him to make after his ally Michael Gove announced his intention to run for the Tory leadership. 

Mr Farage, a European Parliament member, resigned on Monday as leader of the UK Independence Party.

The two men were the key figures calling on the UK electorate to vote to leave the EU.