Barnier leaves London saying 'we will see' if Brexit deal is possible

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator today left London and told reporters the two sides "would see" if a deal was still possible ahead of a crucial call between the Prime Minister and the President of the EU Commission.

Michel Barnier and Boris Johnson have been in crunch talks to try to strike a trade agreement, but Mr Barnier admitted there were still "significant divergences".

Mr Barnier, who has been negotiating with the Prime Minister and his team for the last week, said as he departed his hotel in the capital: "We will keep calm as always and if there is still a way, we will see".

The French politician said hours earlier on Friday evening that despite "intense negotiations" between the two sides, conditions for an agreement had not been met due to "significant divergences on level playing field, governance and fisheries". 

He said the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, would talk to Mr Johnson about the "state of play" this afternoon.

It is thought the Prime Minister will resume discussions with Mr Barnier on Sunday.