EU’s Barnier: Citing a Brexit bill figure now would create political controversy

Amidst dozen of headlines crossing the wires on the Brexit deal, the latest one is from  the EU’s Chief Brexit Negotiator Barnier, reported as saying:

"I never quoted any figure" on the Brexit bill.

Citing a Brexit bill figure now would create political controversy.

Impossible to calculate the bill figure at present, depends on future development.

The UK demands on future trade points towards a Canada-style model of the free trade agreement.

Expects political declaration of EU-27 on future relationship next year.

Real trade negotiations will start after Brexit treaty signed.