France, Spain, Belgium, Denmark and Portugal are understood to be upset that the EU has not demanded access to British fishing waters

A group of European countries rounded on Michel Barnier this week to demand that the chief EU negotiator squeeze more concessions out of Britain in talks next week.

Some EU nations believe that the UK would have an economic advantage after Brexit if it were able to diverge from European laws and regulations while still having access to the single market. They are also demanding greater powers for the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and greater fishing rights in British waters.

The row came as European leaders warned Britain against rejecting the draft Brexit divorce deal.

Tough negotiations begin this weekend before the special Brexit summit at the end of the month on a document that will set the shape of Britain’s future trading relationship