Alastair Campbell has suggested Mr Macron could become the "leader of Europe" (Image: GETTY)
He said: “Can this be the sort of relationship that proponents of today’s Continental System have in mind? If so, they should reflect on how the story ended.
“Napoleon’s attempt to subordinate the economic interests of the whole of Europe to his political aim of defeating Britain led to massive evasion of the rules. British goods, even in the days of sailing ships and horses and carts, reached the Continent by semi-legal and illegal means, to the great profit of those involved.
“People rebelled against the economic cost, even his own politicians. His great empire eventually fell apart.”