The strident support of the European Union has complained that the UK was trying to take away the EU’s ability to make their own laws.
Speaking at the European Parliament’s Environment Committee earlier this week, Mr Verhofstadt warned Britain against meddling in EU laws and standards after Brexit.
Mr Verhofstadt ruled out any chance of creating a new customs union after Brexit on the grounds that this would risk destroying the EU.
However, the tone of his speech appeared remarkably similar to the Leave campaign message during the referendum of ‘taking back control’.
He told the committee audience: “There will be consultations with the UK during the transition period, if there are disputes.
“But we will not undermine the capacity and autonomy of the EU27 to decide and apply standards, whether it is financial services or the environment.
“We will not allow this system to be replaced by a bilateral system, where an environmental standard the EU27 decide is then negotiated with the UK.
“If that happens, then we can give up on the EU!”
The Belgium politician added: “We cannot outsource the autonomy of decisions including of the European Parliament to a new EU-UK autonomy-deciding body.
“That would outsource our power to another body, which we will never allow! Our union law will never be outsourced.”
He said Britain may align itself with EU standards, but disputes on EU law will have to be settled by the European Court of Justice.
The MEP claimed that the EU will treat the UK like any other “third country” outside of the bloc, a move he blamed on the Britain’s red lines.
Mr Verhofstadt clamed the UK’s red lines ruled out any possibility of a Norwegian solution or Ukranian-style deal.