Brexit: Growing hopes that the draft agreement will be in place by the end of the week

Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, is negotiating with his UK counterpart, Lord Frost, but formal discussions remain stalled on a handful of crucial issues

In a sign of the European Commission's growing involvement in the negotiations, Mrs Von der Leyen sent Stephanie Riso, one of her most senior authorities, to help Barnier. 

Mrs Riso was involved in the original Brexit divorce negotiations and is seen as someone who could help break the deadlock. 

It is believed that Boris Johnson can speak to Mrs. Von der Leyen in the next 48 hours to try to find a way forward on fishing rights, undoubtedly the biggest remaining point of contention. 

Michel Barnier, arriving in London yesterday, will resume negotiations today after being forced to isolate himself

Michel Barnier was accused last night of making a "derisory" offer on post-Brexit fishing rights

While tensions were mounting ahead of a critical round of negotiations that began today in London

The EU's chief negotiator is said to have told European ambassadors that, as part of a free trade agreement, he was preparing to offer the government between 15% and 18% of the quota of fish currently caught in British waters.

The proposal, which was confirmed by UK officials, was rejected by London amid concerns on both sides that a compromise might be impossible to reach.

Mr Barnier arrived in London last night and is due to sit down with his colleague, Lord Frost, today for the first face-to-face talks.  

Source: The Times