London

EUROPEAN Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier signalled that even a partial withdrawal from the bloc will have consequences on the UK's ability to interact with the EU and that a "frictionless" trade relationship isn't feasible.

A month into formal talks over the split, Mr Barnier used an address to an EU committee in Brussels to tell Britain that any type of breakup will carry costs, delivering a blow to members of Theresa May's government who are distancing themselves from her initial hardline stance and seeking to retain close links.