The French President pressured the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, during a phone call on Thursday, according to British officials. On Thursday, an ally to Mr Macron claimed France would block any Brexit deal which went against France’s interests, namely on fisheries. Due to the reduced access on fisheries, Mr Macron warned the negotiator he must drop his hardline stance on the matter, throwing talks into chaos. Both Mr Barnier and Lord David Frost agreed to pause talks on Friday after no significant progress had been made.

While Mr Johnson was ready to agree to certain aspects on a level playing field, UK officials have remained defiant over Britain’s waters. 

A UK source also claimed Mr Macron had caused any progress to be reversed after speaking with Mr Barnier. 

One said: “At the start of the week we saw Macron agitating with other EU capitals that they were giving away too much.

“Then you see Barnier bringing this back and the whole process goes backwards. I think everyone can join the dots.

“We want a deal but it has to be on the basis that we are a sovereign country again.

“Some people still seem to be struggling with the concept that we are going to be an independent country setting our own rules. If it stays like that there will be no deal.”

A source told The Daily Telegraph: “The French will turn on you before you know it.”

The Government wants full control on access to British waters while also holding annual negotiations. 

Mr Johnson will now hold a call with the EU Commission President today to discuss the state of play. 

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES: 

7.22am update: Emmanuel Macron steps in to block Brexit deal 

The French President stepped in to intervene in Brexit talks this week. 

It is believed Mr Macron warned Michel Barnier to not drop his hardline stance and even expressed his concern the UK may be getting too much from a possible deal. 

French officials have vowed to block any deal if France’s interests are not met – specifically on fisheries. 

A source told The Times: “This is Macron playing De Gaulle.

“It is very domestic in focus but has all the diplomatic subtlety of a bull in a china shop. It could smash it all up.”

Due to Mr Macron’s intervention, talks were put on pause on Friday with Boris Johnson set to talk to Ursula von der Leyen today. 

More to follow…