Von der Leyen reminds Johnson about social distancing as they take masks off

Boris Johnson was told by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to maintain social distancing when the Prime Minister arrived for a crunch Brexit meeting in Brussels.

As the two leaders posed for the cameras, the Prime Minister asked Ms von der Leyen if they were taking their masks off.

The EC president agreed, but told Mr Johnson to "keep distance" as they briefly removed their face coverings.

Ms von der Leyen added: "Then we have to put it back on. You have to put it back on immediately."

The Prime Minister responded, saying: "You run a tight ship here, Ursula, and quite right too."

The pair then headed off for dinner.

Large gaps remain between the UK and European Union in reaching a Brexit deal, Downing Street said following the crunch talks between Johnson and von der Leyen.

The PM and EC president agreed that a "firm decision" about the future of the negotiations should be made by Sunday.

In a statement following a three-hour long dinner in Brussels, a senior Number 10 source said it was "unclear" whether the differences between the two sides could be bridged.

They said: "The PM and VDL had a frank discussion about the significant obstacles which remain in the negotiations.

"Very large gaps remain between the two sides and it is still unclear whether these can be bridged.

"The PM and VDL agreed to further discussions over the next few days between their negotiating teams.

"The PM does not want to leave any route to a possible deal untested. The PM and VDL agreed that by Sunday a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks."