And Tory MP David Jones has warned Emmanuel Macron’s sidekick he does not expect the Brexit minister to “give an inch” during what is undoubtedly likely to be a tense meeting in the Belgian capital. Mr Beaune, France’s Minister for European Affairs, tweeted on Sunday: “I will be in Brussels tomorrow to continue this essential negotiation for France and the EU. Our objective has not changed: to enforce the agreement, to obtain our licences, to defend the interests of our fishermen.”

       His tough talk follows similar remarks by Mr Macron, who has accused Britain of “playing with our nerves" on the issue.

       Mr Jones, deputy chairman of the European Research Group, was unfazed by Mr Beaune’s remarks.

       He told Express.co.uk: "Beaune acknowledges that a deal is essential for France and the EU. He has displayed desperation. Lord Frost shouldn't give an inch."

       Speaking on Sunday, Mr Macron said: “We are going to continue to fight, we will not abandon our fishermen.

       “The Commission must protect us. It has to see this through, but it's moving too slowly, too weakly. If the Commission doesn't play its part, France will do it."

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