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A senior EU Brexit negotiator has stated that he is prepared to increase the pace of discussions with Britain. 

Michel Barnier who is the EU's chief negotiator also voiced his concern over the progress of the negotiation so far and Britain's proposal for the border with Ireland.

"Given the passing time, and this passing time worries me, I am ready to accelerate, to intensify the rhythm of talks," Michel Barnier told a press conference.

Barnier spoke as his negotiation team published a combative paper on the future of Northern Ireland and its border with the EU-member Republic of Ireland.

In its new position, Brussels clearly stipulates that the solution for the Irish border problem is clearly the responsiblity of Britain.

But Barnier said: "What I see in the UK's paper on Ireland and Northern Ireland worries me.

"The UK wants the EU to suspend the application of its laws, its customs union and single market (in) what would be a new external border for the EU," he said.

"And the UK wants to use Ireland as a kind of test case for the future EU-UK customs relations," he said.

"This will not happen."