Sealed with a kiss: Barnier gracefully greets Theresa May as EU states set to formally adopt Brexit trade guidelines

Theresa May was given a surprise kiss on the hand by the EU’s lead Brexit negotiator today after securing a transition period and a tougher approach by the bloc towards Russia.

The Prime Minister had just finished boasting to the media of a “new dynamic” in her negotiations when French politician Michel Barnier beckoned her over and bowed low to plant a Gallic kiss on her hand.

Shortly afterwards, European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted from the summit centre the news that negotiations could now begin on a future trade and secrity deal. “Decision: EU27 has adopted guidelines for the future EU-UK relations after #Brexit,” he tweeted.

The breakthrough came after leaders arrived this morning for talks on US steel tariffs followed a night of progress on the diplomatic front for the UK.

The European Union announced it will recall its ambassador from Moscow after an appeal from the Prime Minister to unite over the Salisbury nerve gas attack.

It was believed that several EU member states were poised to announce their own expulsions of Russian diplomats in a co-ordinated move to disable Vladimir Putin’s spy network.

Mrs May privately briefed Germany’s Angela Merkel and French president Emmanuel Macron on findings by police and intelligence investigating the attempted murders.

Speaking in the early hours after talks over a formal dinner in Brussels, a pleased Mrs May said the 28 EU leaders - soon to be reduced to 27 after Britain leaves in March next year - were “standing together”.

She said: “I welcome the fact that the EU Council has agreed with the United Kingdom Government’s assessment that it is highly likely that Russia is responsible for the attempted murder that took place on the streets of Salisbury and that there is no plausible alternative explanation.

“The threat that Russia poses respects no borders and it is a threat to our values and it is right that here in the EU Council we are standing together to uphold those values.”

Earlier, EU leaders agreed the only “plausible explanation” for the attack was Moscow involvement.

Today’s big news for UK exporters was the transition period which effectively staves off the full impact of Brexit until the end of 2020.

Ireland agreed to postpone final decisions on the thorny Irish border issue until summer to enable the deal to go through. That means it could be overtaken if MPs vote to join a customs union in a vote expected in May.

Speaking ahead of Mr Tusk’s announcement, Mrs May told media at the summit entrance: “I am looking for a new dynamic in the next stage of negotiations, so that we can ensure that we work together to negotiate and develop that strong future economic and security partnership which I believe is in the interests of the UK and the EU.”

The PM stayed an extra day to take part in the steel discussions, and welcomed an overnight announcement that Donald Trump will exempt the EU until at least May 1.