European Union works for Brexit deal and dismissed as "horror stories"

The European Union's executive said on Thursday it was working for a Brexit deal and dismissed as "horror stories" reports about the bloc stepping up contingency planning in case negotiations with Britain collapse.

Margaritis Schinas, the chief spokesman for the European Commission, where Michel Barnier is negotiating Brexit with Britain on behalf of the whole bloc, told a regular news briefing the focus was still on getting an agreement.

He added the bloc was at the same time "not abandoning" its duties when it came to preparing for any possible outcomes, including a no-deal Brexit.

"Keep calm and keep negotiating," Schinas said.