18:36

In Toulouse, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said this evening that she believed it was the “final sprint” for negotiations and she was “increasingly of the belief” that an agreement would be reached with the UK.

Merkel said she wanted every success for the agreement and paid tribute to Michel Barnier’s negotiations. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said: “I share everything the chancellor has said.

“It’s our hope and will to be able to endorse an agreement, and I hope that agreement will be found in the coming hours.”

He said he had heard positive things today. “I thank Michel Barnier for negotiating with a great deal of seriousness and in respect of our member states,” Macron said.

“I hope we succeed in getting an agreement on withdrawal and on the political declaration on the future relationship.

“We’re determined that that agreement can be endorsed at the European council.”

