EU negotiator Michel Barnier threatened to boycott Brexit talks if Theresa Mayinsisted on basing a deal on her Chequers plans, it emerged today.
Mr Barnier furiously told officials the controversial proposals could save British businesses billions of pounds a year if they were able to trade in Europe free from many EU regulations.
Mrs May’s plans – loathed by Brexiteers and criticised by the EU – imagine Britain voluntarily following EU rules on goods while leaving the single market and customs union to pursue trade deals and innovative services products.
Politico revealed Mr Barnier’s threat after it was revealed by officials who attended a meeting on the Chequers plan.
It reported: ‘According to four officials present at the meeting, the Commission offered a very negative assessment of the Chequers proposal.
‘Barnier’s team were adamant that if Britain formally put forward the plan then it should boycott the talks altogether, according to two officials.
‘A third official said that the Commission representatives objected to the UK proposals, but in less dramatic terms.’