Branson: Brexit 'saddest' event for UK since World War II

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson says Brexit is the "saddest thing" that's happened to Britain and Europe since World War II.

Speaking in Israel, where he was inaugurating new Virgin Atlantic services, Branson said British voters were "misled" before the 2016 referendum and if given another chance would vote to stay in Europe.

He added: "I would certainly recommend that that's how they should vote."

Richard Branson arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

British lawmakers blocked Prime Minister Boris Johnson's attempt Tuesday to fast-track his Brexit bill through Parliament so that the U.K. can leave the bloc as scheduled on Oct. 31.

Britain is now awaiting a decision from Brussels about whether the bloc will delay the U.K.'s scheduled departure to prevent a chaotic no-deal exit in just eight days.

Richard Branson arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson kiss the ground as he arrive to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson waves as he arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson waves as he arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson waves as he arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson knees as he arrive to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Richard Branson arrives to Ben Gurion airport to inaugurate the start of Virgin Atlantic airline in Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)