Tory MP Edward Leigh: Government must get its share of the EU's wine and art

The government must take its share of the EU’s wine and art when Britain leaves, a Brexiteering Tory MP has demanding.

Sir Edward Leigh told Parliament that the EU was thought to have a wine cellar stocked with more than 42,000 bottles and has artwork worth more than £13m.

He urged the government to “promise” to not leave the goods for European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker to enjoy.

During Brexit questions in the Commons, Sir Edward, MP for Gainsborough, said: “The European Union is estimated to have a wine cellar of over 42,000 bottles and artwork worth more than £13m – someone might say metaphorically looted from the capitals of Europe.

“After we leave the party, will the minister promise to take back control of our fair share of this art and wine and not leave it to Mr Juncker to enjoy?”

Brexit Minister Robin Walker replied: “[Sir Edward] raises a very interesting question – the legal basis of those assets and liabilities has been analysed in detail and accounted for in the overall settlement.

“The scope of the settlement is laid out in the joint report.”