The European Union’s chief negotiator on Brexit has said a frictionless border between the UK and the European Union is not possible.

Michel Barnier was speaking in Brussels on Thursday.

He said: “I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and keep all of its benefits - that is not possible.

“I have heard some people in the UK argue that one can leave the single market and build a customs union to achieve frictionless trade - that is not possible.

“The decision to leave the EU has consequences.”

Mr Barnier also said that there will be "negative" consequences for the UK which will result from the decision to leave EU and not from any attempt to "punish" the UK.

The former French minister also said Brexit would create a "loser/loser situation" for both the EU and UK, which would be worsened if the two sides failed to agree an agreement.

He also suggested that the UK has "more to lose" than the remaining 27 member states.