Michel Barnier: Boris Johnson agreed last year to stick to EU rules

EU chief negotiator responds to PM as Brussels sets out initial position on future relationship

Michel Barnier has reminded Boris Johnson that he has already agreed in a "very important" declaration to stay true to EU rules on subsidies and standards, as Brussels staked out its opening position on the EU's future relationship with the UK.

Responding to the prime minister's claim that there would be no need for Britain to continue to respect EU regulations under a trade deal, the EU's chief negotiator pointed to the "political declaration" agreed last year with Johnson, while admitting alignment was a "red rag" to Westminster.