As the PM heads to Brussels to face another battle of wills with the EU commission president, the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour describes the bitter history between Jean-Claude Juncker and the UK – and the latest chapter of the fraught Brexit talks as May pushes for a postponement. Plus: Daniel Lavelle on the growth of accent-softening classes

Theresa May is travelling to Brussels with the aim of getting an agreement to extend the Brexit deadline. Donald Tusk, EU council president, has suggested a delay will only be granted if May can get her deal through parliament next week. And it means winning support from the other 27 EU nations, which have so far been unified in the negotiating position set out by the European commission. Its president, Jean-Claude Juncker, has a chequered history with the UK. From Tony Blair and Gordon Brown to David Cameron and May, he has fallen out with a string of British prime ministers. Now he is in the driving seat for the Brexit endgame.

The Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour, is a veteran of past Brussels summits. He describes the relationship between May and Juncker – and what awaits the prime minister at the European council.

Also: Daniel Lavelle on the growth of accent-softening classes. Are elocution lessons really back in vogue?