EU officials to discuss 'free movement' at Bratislava summit in bid to stem Brexit contagion

Charles Grant, the director of the Centre for European Reform, a pro-EU think-tank, said that the line in Brussels, Paris and Berlin was very clear on free movement and - despite recent remarks suggesting a more pragmatic approach - with Mr Tusk's office too.

"Britain should not imagine that Continental opposition to free movement is at the level where they will cut us some kind of deal," he said. "What I think Tusk is talking about is some restrictions on claiming welfare benefits, measures to deport criminals - that sort of thing - but there is no questioning of the fundamental principle of free movement."