Davis in battle to break deadlock as Germany and France talk tough

DAVID Davis is set to make an emergency trip to Brussels today, as Theresa May faced a fresh setback in her hope of early post-Brexit trade talks.

The Brexit Secretary is expected to try to open up negotiations with key figures from EU member states, to break the deadlock before a crucial summit on Thursday.

The trip comes as it emerged there would be an attempt by Germany and France to toughen the EU’s stance in demanding that Britain first agree to settle its so-called divorce bill.

A draft last Thursday appeared to offer the Prime Minister a chink of light by suggesting the EU could start planning for trade negotiations, albeit without involving the UK yet.

It said “additional guidelines” could be drawn up in December, moving onto trade and “possible transitional ar- rangements” — the Holy Grail for Britain.

The statement added that “in order to be fully ready for such a scenario”, the EU heads of government should “start internal preparatory discussions”.

But a fresh draft, put forward by the EU’s two most powerful states, omits the section proposing “additional guidelines” at this stage, it has been learned.

The move is fresh evidence that Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, and French President Emmanuel Macron, are unwilling to go as far on future trade talks as EU officials.

Michael Barnier, the EU Commission’s chief negotiator, had emerged as a possible ally for Britain, in pushing for a less rigid negotiating mandate. In contrast, removing the immediate prospect of “additional guidelines” would put pressure on Britain to make a more generous offer on money — to the fury of Brexiteer Tories.