David Davis met with the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday morning, it has been confirmed.
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union is said to have wanted to “reestablish” his relationship with Mr Barnier, who will be in charge of the Commission’s side of talks.
The pair met before decades ago, having both been European affairs ministers during the 1990s at the same time.
The meeting lasted around 30 minutes and was at the request as Mr Davis, a source close to Mr Barnier said.
A spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the European Union said the pair had agreed to work towards an “orderly withdrawal” for Britain from the bloc.
“The Secretary of State had a meeting with Michel Barnier to re-establish their relationship,” she said.
“They agreed that they would work towards an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the EU once the UK has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw.”
Mr Barnier said on Twitter: “This morning courtesy visit from David Davis at his request. No negotiation without notification. My work is now focused on EU27.”
The French politician previously served as a French government minister and a European Commissioner for International Market and Services.
Jean-Claude Juncker said Mr Barnier was an “experienced politician for this difficult job” when this appointment was confirmed in late July of this year.
He is seen as a “nemesis” of the City of London, having backed new financial regulations against the UK’s will while he was market Commissioner
