Former Belgian PM Verhofstadt appointed lead EU Brexit negotiator

Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt has been given the task of overseeing the European Parliament's negotiations with Britain with regard to its departure from the bloc.

Verhofstadt is a former prime minister of Belgium, and has been adamant on the disadvantages of Britain leaving Europe, calling out Leave campaigner Boris Johnson's personal ambitions for particular criticism earlier this year.

Formal negotiations between the two entities will take place when British prime minister Theresa May invokes Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon treaty, and complex agreements over border issues and market access will come top of the agenda.

Verhofstadt tweeted his delight at his appointment and said he was looking forward to playing a central role in the talks.

The news follows the appointment of another hardline European negotiator in the shape of former French foreign minister Michel Barnier. He will take the position of chief negotiator for the executive arm, the European Commission.