'No excuses' for holding up progress in Brexit talks, says David Davis

David Davis has insisted there are "no excuses" for standing in the way of progress over Britain's exit from the European Union as the fourth round of talks resumed in Brussels.

The Brexit Secretary said Theresa May's speech in Florence on the strategy for quitting the bloc had set out concrete proposals and a breakthrough was now needed.

But the EU's chief negotiator insisted real progress on the divorce bill, citizens' rights and the Irish border was "essential" to move on the discussions.

Michel Barnier said he was "keen and eager" to understand how the Prime Minister's speech would be turned into a negotiating strategy.

"We do not need to remind ourseves that we are six months into the process. We are getting closer to the UK's withdrawal and I think that this moment should be a moment of clarity."

Mr Davis said the latest citizens' rights would be incorporated fully into UK law, progress had been made on resolving the Irish border and insisted the UK would "honour commitments" made during its EU membership.

"The UK is absolutely committed to work through the detail. We are laying out concrete proposals and there are no excuses for standing in the way of progress," he said.

"It will take pragmatism on both sides to make headway and I hope we can achieve that this week."