EU's Barnier 'twiddles on phone' in Brexit debate

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator has been caught "twiddling" on his phone during a European Parliament debate on the red lines for the UK's withdrawal talks.

Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson told Michel Barnier he should "actually listen to the speech" rather than "twiddling with your telephone".

He made the warning to Mr Barnier during his speech on the EU's negotiating guidelines for the UK's exit from the union.

Mr Barnier was prompted by an advisor before putting on headphones to listen to Mr Nicholson's contribution.

MEPs backed the motion setting out the European Parliament's position for the Brexit talks by 516 votes to 133.