David Davis dismisses €100bn Brexit 'bombshell'

The assertion from the Secretary of State follows reports that the European Union could step up demands for a "divorce" settlement to almost double the amount of previous estimates.

It also came as the trading bloc's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, warned it was an "illusion" to think that Brexit negotiations will be a "quick" or "painless" process.

But speaking at a campaign event in London, a defiant Mr Davis refused to recognise the €100bn figure, as he claimed he and Theresa May would be working together to secure the "best possible outcome" for Britain.

"We will now be taking [part in] these negotiations... with Michel Barnier, Jean-Claude Juncker and the 27, and we will aim to deliver a comprehensive free trade agreement, [and] sort out European citizens' rights and British citizens' right abroad," he said.

"We are in the pre-negotiating phase of what will be a very complex and very tough two-year negotiation... [but] what we have said throughout is that we will meet our international obligations and enter in the negotiation in the best interests of ourselves and the European Union.

"The public want one thing... they want the best possible outcome from this negotiation.

"We do that in the negotiating room, not by negotiating with a megaphone."

Appearing alongside Chancellor Philip Hammond, the Brexit Secretary sought to playdown reports that he will be sidelined in negotiations, as he stated he will be the "principle" representative dealing with Mr Barnier.

He also responded to claims that the Prime Minister will not be leading on talks in Brussels, as he stressed Britain is "not entering this negotiation as a supplicant" and Mrs May expects to meet with European leaders "on a monthly basis".

Challenged about the prospect that UK taxpayers will be hit by a Brexit "bombshell", he told reporters that he does not "recognise" the €100bn figure "being bandied around in the press".

He added that it was "not for the other side to lay down every single rule" for negotiations, and it is Britain who "will decide the structure of our negotiating team, not the European Union".

The comments coincided with a press conference by Mr Barnier, in which he set out the EU's draft guidelines for the upcoming negotiations.

The French politician reasserted the Union's intention to conduct talks in two phases, warning that it was an "illusion that Brexit... can be concluded quickly and painlessly".

However, he declined to put a figure on the expected size of the exit bill, and fiercely rejected suggestions that Brussels was demanding a "blank cheque" from London.

"All we are asking for is for accounts to be cleared, for the honouring of commitments which the UK has entered into," he said.