Michel Barnier says Britain must respect EU sovereignty in trade talks

His comments came after a UK Government source warned that the negotiations would fail unless there was a “substantial shift” in the EU’s position in the remaining days of the talks.

The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier says the talks are at a ‘crucial moment’ Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Michel Barnier has warned that Britain must be prepared to respect the EU’s sovereignty if talks on a post-Brexit trade deal are to succeed.

Brussels chief negotiator said the EU remained committed to achieving “a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement” but said both sides needed to be able to act when their interests were at stake.