Even David Davis thinks the UK is the only country that would actually choose to leave the EU

Brexit negotiations have started badly for the United Kingdom, a former UK negotiator to the EU has said.

But he's just one man, with his own opinion.

Following Theresa May's proposals on the rights of EU citizens, President of the European Council Donald Tusk said:

The UK’s offer is below our expectations and risks worsening the situation for our citizens.

But he's the European Commissions representative, so he's biased.

Michael Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, said he was:

not in the frame of mind to make concessions or ask for concessions.

It's not about punishment, it is not about revenge.

Basically, we are implementing the decision taken by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, and unravel 43 years of patiently-built relations.

I will do all I can to put emotion to one side and stick to the facts, the figures, and the legal basis, and work with the United Kingdom to find an agreement in that frame of mind.

Meanwhile, walking away from the talks David Davis said talks got off to a:

promising start.

In fact, Davis has maintained a sunny disposition about the process, even when subjected to an embarrassing climb down about the timetable for talks.

Indeed, the now-Secretary for Exiting the European Union was full of pomp and promises about life after Article 50, prior to the referendum.

And despite the embarrassing lack of confidence the country shows in the abilities of this Government to negotiate Brexit...

He's stayed pretty upbeat.

So of course he's still brimming with confidence that the UK has set a blooming example to the rest of the member states - about how to seize sovereignty over law and our own trade deals?

Surely they'll all be following our promising example thus far?

Ah.

More: Britain has had a disastrous start to Brexit deal making, says former UK negotiator to the EU