Mr Davis, the Brexit Secretary, and Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator have just given a short statement in Brussels as the second round of negotiations gets underway.

Mr Davis detailed exactly what will happen this week.

He said: "We are now getting into the substance of the matter.

"It's four categories really. The issue of citizens' rights, the issue of finance, the issue of separation issues and, of course, separately, Northern Ireland.

"For us it's incredibly important we now make good progress. That we negotiate through this and identify the differences, so that we can deal with them, and identify the similarities so that we can move forward.

"And now it's time to get down to work and make this a successful negotiation."

Mr Barnier said it was now time to "delve into the heart of the matter".

"We need to examine and compare our respective positions in order to make good progress," he said.

"As you know, our negotiating groups will work on citizens' rights, on the financial settlement and other separation issues.

"David and I will be in contact throughout the week. Rendezvous to take stock together on Thursday."