Bargaining chips in Brexit bid’

Macron mania as Europe’s masters usher May out

EU citizens guaranteed.”

Sadiq Khan said: “It is unacceptable for the Prime Minister to be treating EU citizens living here and contributing to our economy and society as bargaining chips. By doing so she is treating British people living in Europe the same.”

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn has over-

t o b e p e r ma n e n t ly taken Mrs May for the first time on the question of who voters think would make the best prime minister. A YouGov/Times poll published today put Mr Corbyn on 35 per cent, ahead of Mrs May’s 34 per cent. @JoeMurphyLondon AT A summit where Beatles lyrics provided the subtitles, it was a case of “Hello, Goodbye” in Brussels.

No translations were needed for the body language that greeted Europe’s newest star, Emmanuel Macron, for his first summit. Leaders queued for private audiences. Journalists fought to push microphones under his nose. His first press conference was packed. Angela Merkel spoke proudly of “optimism” breaking out again at EU gather- ings after the turmoil of debt crises. One could feel the power of Europe’s old order coming together again.

For Theresa May, there was no adulation and only a few bilateral meetings, none with Merkel or Macron. On the first anniversary of the referendum that opened the door to No 10, it was an uphill battle to appear relevant.

She bludgeoned her way onto the dinner agenda, demanding from European Council president Donald Tusk, the chance to unveil her “fair” offer of lifetime rights for five-year stayers from the EU. But Tusk was very firm that the 27 leaders would listen but not enter into discussion, comment or negotiation.

Soon after dessert, Mrs May was shown the door. The powerful 27 remained without her to discuss Brexit without a British voice at the table.