Hammond says he regrets calling EU negotiators 'the enemy'

Chancellor backtracks after saying Conservatives should stop fighting and focus on 'opponents' on other side of table

The chancellor has backtracked on his description of the EU's Brexit negotiators as "the enemy" after he tried to portray the feuding UK cabinet as united against Brussels.

Philip Hammond, a leading remainer in the cabinet and one of the most vocal advocates for a soft Brexit, said the Conservatives should stop fighting among themselves and concentrate on the other side of the Brexit table.

In an interview today I was making the point that we are united at home. I regret I used a poor choice of words (1/2).

We will work with our friends and partners in the EU on a mutually beneficial Brexit deal #noenemieshere (2/2).