The Brexit talks are only just beginning but already the biggest potential obstacle to an orderly and fair Brexit deal is already becoming apparent: the French.

With the first round of meaningful negotiations to take place in Brussels the week after next, British negotiators are already clear that it is the administration of Emmanuel Macron that is calling for the toughest line towards the Brits.

Here we look at why Mr Macron is shaping up to be Britain’s Brexit nemesis.

Let the man speak for himself: what does Macron say on Brexit?

Officially the French line is that there is no desire to “punish” Britain over Brexit, but this is really just a question of semantics.

Mr Macron has been very clear Brexit must be an advertisement for both the perils of leaving the European Union - and more importantly, the benefits of membership.