The bust-up between Cameron and Sarkozy held up the conclusion of the EU-27 summit for almost two hours, with the French president expressing rage at the constant criticism and lectures from UK ministers.

Sarkozy bluntly told Cameron: „You have lost a good opportunity to shut up.“ He added: „We are sick of you criticising us and telling us what to do. You say you hate the euro and now you want to interfere in our meetings.“