BBC's Laura Kuenssberg follows up on earlier tweet about Michel Barnier's cancelled meeting: "Caution from UK side - 'Both sides are negotiating more intensively than before, but significant differences remain. We may not get there."

Following on from the 1057GMT bullet regarding the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg's tweet on the cancellation of Michel Barnier's Tuesday briefing to EU representatives, there is no word yet confirming or ruling out Barnier talking to tomorrow's weekly COREPER II meeting of member state ambassadors to the EU.

• Takes place every week at 0800CET (0700GMT). Not just to discuss Brexit, is used to prepare work of European Council.
• Should Barnier talk to the group there will be intense interest. Any sign of a deal to be taken positively, while Barnier's usual comments about differences on fisheries, level-playing-field, governance would be seen in a negative light that negotiations have not progressed.

BBC's Laura Kuenssberg tweets: "Barnier has cancelled briefings to EU side - planned for Tues night and then Weds lunchtime - only a hint, but perhaps a good sign that negotiators are churning through the obstacles to a deal, working not briefing!"

• Note this refers to meetings scheduled for next week, not the meeting supposedly scheduled with member state ambassadors to the EU due to take place on Friday at 0700GMT.
• The cancellation could mean several things:
  • That Barnier is keen to continue negotiating with the UK side and cannot spare the time to brief MS representatives;
  • That a deal is in the offing and could be presented sooner than Tuesday (Monday 23rd has been put forward as a crucial day to reach a deal to ensure ratification by year-end)
  • That a negotiations have not progressed and there is likely to be little to update MS' on on Tuesday.