THE boss of Wetherspoons has visited The Punch Bowl pub in York to discuss the benefits of a no-deal Brexit.

Crowds of leave voters, and several remain voters, turned out to voice their concerns to Tim Martin.

The business tycoon is currently on a nationwide tour round the UK, promoting the ‘Wetherspoons version of Brexit' which promotes the no-deal scenario rather than Theresa May's proposed Brexit deal.

Mr Martin gave a long speech about his reasons for a no-deal Brexit before answering several questions.

York Press:

He said the European Union was an undemocratic institution and that the British people cannot vote for the president of the European Commission nor the president of the European Council.

He said: “I believe in democracy and self governing democracies are the best and safest way for the future of our children because the issue of where you are ruled from is a highly emotional.”

When asked if he had concerns about the short term financial effects of Brexit for the British people, including Wetherspoons customers, Mr Martin said: “I think this is a misconception made by several remain newspapers... the £39billion we will save from leaving with no deal will equivocate to £600 extra for each British person.”

One member of the public asked whether Wetherspoons would follow the example set by the restaurant Carluccio’s and pay for its employees to apply for settled status.

Mr Martin said the company would look into the possibility of copying Carluccio’s policy.

He also criticised the EU's 'protectionist import taxes' which benefit the EU at the cost of the UK government.

Protest group York for Europe who voiced their concerns to Mr Martin outside the Punch Bowl, said: “In a brief but agreeable exchange we agreed that we couldn’t fathom Theresa May’s approach which seemed to please nobody and that she seemed to be listening to neither side of the debate. He seemed to appreciate York for Europe’s right to demonstrate peacefully as part of a functioning and free democracy.

"We agreed that democracy was a process in which dialogue was important.”