WATCH: No punishment but Brexit account must be settled, says EU's Michel Barnier

Leaving the EU will not be quick or painless for Britain, the European Commission's chief negotiator has warned as a row blew up over the size of the UK's divorce bill.

Michel Barnier refused to be drawn on reports the Commission plans to hand Theresa May a bill of 100 billion euro (£84.5 billion), but said there must be a “settling of accounts”.

European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnierplaceholder image
European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier

But Brexit Secretary David Davis insisted “we will not be paying 100 billion”.

He said, if Brussels failed to reach a deal acceptable to Britain, the UK would pay nothing.

News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice