Brussels blasted after ‘fantasy’ Brexit claims

Chancellor Philip Hammond has criticised claims from European Union officials that Britain has a “fantasy” approach to Brexit negotiations.

Mr Hammond insisted that talks with EU officials were “constructive” after reports from the continent that Britain was being “unrealistic” and little progress made in discussions in recent days.

The increase in tension emerged after the UK made clear it would seek a return of £1 billion in funding it has put into the Galileo satellite system if the EU continued to shut Britain out of key aspects of the project post-Brexit.