Alleged linked report of Brexit talks angers Theresa May

EU leaders have been lambasted by the British government over leaked Brexit negotiation facts. According to Mrs May, the “Brussels gossip” has proved how necessary it for her to take a tough stance in negotiations over the UK’s departure from the European Union.

A respected German newspaper, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported that talks broke up, due to Mrs May’s refusal to accept demands made by EU leaders concerning the controversial divorce bill of about £50bn.

In a quick response, Mr Juncker also insisted that the EU was not “a golf club” that the UK could simply walk out of. He then left the meeting doubting if any deal could be agreed on by both parties, as he said “I leave Downing Street ten times as sceptical as I was before.”

Mrs May was understood to be furious at the one-sided nature of the leak, which is thought to have been briefed by sources at the commission.

Downing Street took the highly unusual step of releasing a statement questioning the account.

A spokesman said: “We do not recognise this account. As the Prime Minister and Jean-Claude Juncker made clear, this was a constructive meeting ahead of the negotiations formally getting underway.”

And on the General Election campaign trail in Lancashire last night, Mrs May signalled her displeasure at the leaking.

“I have to say from I have seen of this account, I think it is Brussels gossip,” she said.

She also reiterated that EU Commission had earlier released a statement and praised the “constructive” atmosphere of the meeting.

Mrs May added: “But this also shows that actually these negotiations are at times going to be tough.

"And in order to get the best deal for Britain, we need to ensure we’ve got that strong and stable leadership into those negotiations.

“As I say, every vote for me and my team will strengthen my hand in those negotiations.

“And when it comes to June 8, people will have a clear choice. With 27 European countries on one side of the table, who do they want to see standing up for Britain on the other side – me or Jeremy Corbyn?”