Boris Johnson's de facto chief of staff has risked increasing tensions in Whitehall by dismissing concerns from MPs over the effects of the Prime Minister's language.
It comes after Mr Johnson was accused by Labour MPs of damaging his chances to get a new deal through the Commons with his “crass and dangerous” remarks over Brexit and Jo Cox.
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will travel to Brussels later for further negotiations, amid growing pessimism on the continent over whether a new withdrawal deal can be agreed.
Meanwhile, a senior cabinet minister warned of riots on the scale of France's gilets jaunes if Brexit is not delivered.
