Barnier updates EU members on Brexit talks

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, met EU ambassadors in Brussels on Tuesday to update them on Brexit talks with the UK.

Earlier, Barnier told reporters that negotiations with the UK had reached a "crucial" stage.

"We are really in a crucial moment and we are giving it a final push," said EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier before he briefed EU member states on the state of negotiations.

"In 10 days, the UK will leave the single market," Barnier said, highlighting the need for speed to get a deal.

The two sides intensified their struggle on Tuesday to get a deal agreed before the UK is due to leave the EU's single market mechanism in nine days' time.

The last major outstanding difference is EU fishing rights in U.K. waters.