Opening remarks from the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, at the start of Brexit negotiations

“I'm here in Brussels today, to begin the next phase of our work to build a new, deep and special partnership with the European Union.

“But our thoughts this morning are rightly with the victims and families of the awful attack in London early this morning and with those who have lost loved ones in Portugal too in that terrible tragedy there.

“It is at testing times like these that we are reminded of the values and the resolve we share with our closest allies in Europe.

“For there is more that unites us than divides us.

“So while there will undoubtedly be challenging times ahead of us in the negotiations we will do all that we can to ensure we deliver a deal that works in the best interests of all of our citizens. To that end we are starting this negotiation in a positive and constructive tone, determined to build a strong and special partnership between ourselves, our European allies and friends.”