(TheArgus) - LEAVING the European Union would be “extremely damaging” for the Sussex wine industry, according to former chancellor Ken Clarke, who described the product as s one of the greatest innovations of his lifetime.

The veteran Tory MP and Europhile celebrated Sussex sparkling wine at pro EU event held at No 10 Downing Street yesterday.

Speaking to The Argus he also criticised Boris Johnson and fellow Brexit supporters, describing their campaign as “right wing nationalistic nonsense”.

But Eurosceptic MEP Daniel Hannan said staying in the EU meant more costs the fast-growing wine industry.

Mr Clarke argued access to the European market of 500 million people and minimal tariffs, charges and bureaucracy enabled Sussex sparkling wine to compete with its better known European competition like Champagne and Cava.

Mr Clarke said: “Losing open access could be extremely damaging and we must make sure our producers have the best chance to compete with others in Europe.

“The increasing quality of the wine is one of the great food and drink innovations of my lifetime and the industry must be given the best possibility to continue to grow.”

The event was attended by Ridgeview Wine Estate from Ditchling, as well as producers from across the UK including Wensleydale Creamery from North Yorkshire and Taylors Tea of Harrogate.

Prime Minister David Cameron said leaving the EU would leave exporters with “crippling tariffs” with the sparkling wine industry alone facing charges of up to £260,000 a year.

He said: “Leaving will rob producers of the level playing field and the free access to trade that they currently have.

“British food and drink manufacturers don’t want to gamble their businesses and their employees’ livelihoods on the roll of a dice.”

Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview chief executive, said 20 per cent of the Ditching business now came from exports – with half of that business done in the EU.

She said: “The long term sustainability of our business depends upon the ability to move our imports and our growing exports and our people - which vineyard service providers depend on - between the UK and Europe in a cost effective manner.