The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said he is “strongly” opposed to key parts of Theresa May’s proposals for a future trade deal.

This morning the prime minister said she would not compromise on the UK government’s Chequers plan.

But Mr Barnier said plans for a “common rulebook” for goods but not services were not in the EU’s interests.

“Our own ecosystem has grown over decades,” he said. “You can not play with it by picking pieces.”

While he has previously expressed criticism about Mrs May’s Chequers plan, sources close to Mr Barnier told the BBC he has not been this explicit before.

In response, the UK government insisted its plans were “precise and pragmatic” and would work for the UK and the EU.

The negotiations between the UK and the EU have an informal October deadline, but Mr Barnier said this could be extended to mid-November.