The EU's lead Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier continues his onslaught against UK Prime Minister Theresa May's belly-up Brexit proposal this week, as noted by The UK Telegraph.

Key quotes

"Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, "made clear"to MPs on the Brexit select committee that the Chequers plan is "not acceptable" during a meeting in Brussels.

MPs who were present at the meeting in Brussels on Tuesday said that Mr Barnier proposed an "alternative" post-Brexit plan based upon the EU's free trade deal with Canada.

Separately it emerged that Germany has started to prepare for a no deal Brexit by hiring new customs staff.

They are deeply opposed to Mrs May’s deal signed off with her Cabinet at her Chequers country home which keeps the UK closely tied to the EU, and could restrict Britain’s ability to agree trade deals.

John Whittingdale, a Conservative member of the Brexit select committee, told LBC: “What he did come forward with was an alternative which he was working on - which was based upon a free trade agreement such as the one signed with Canada”."