Brexit news – Donald Tusk meets Sir Tim Barrow for tense handover of Article 50 letter

Barrow, 53, was appointed the role of Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the European Union in January 2017, and was described by Downing Street at the time as “a seasoned and tough negotiator, with extensive experience of securing UK objectives in Brussels.”

But was Barrow’s “tough” demeanour on show when he met with Donald Tusk?

And despite protestations by Tusk, 59, that he “missed the UK already”, what did he really think of Brexit?

Body language expert Darren Stanton gave his professional opinion of the secrets behind the handshakes to Express.co.uk.

Of the first image, Darren said: “We see Sir Tim Barrow handing over the letter to Mr Tusk.

“This is an interesting photo because both men are posing for a photo for the press but it’s clearly an awkward moment. 

“I see that Sir Barrow’s right hand seems to be hovering as he deliberates what to do with it, this could be a combination of nervousness or anxiety or indeed just a moment in time caught by the camera.

“Either way it’s quite an odd gesture, generally denoting being uneasy in his surroundings. 

“Mr Tusk looks as if he is being handed a writ as his facial expression shows the emotion of contempt. 

“If you look closely at his mouth, his facial expression is not symmetrical. This is called a ‘bilateral’ gesture. When the mouth curls up on one side this is a gesture of contempt or moral superiority.

“Mr Tusk could be thinking how he is going to respond to the letter.” 

Of the second image, Darren said: “Seeing both men engaged in a hand shake and adopting similar postures to each other, this is just going through the formalities for etiquette’s sake and does not reveal too much more in this photo.” 

Darren said the body language in the third image, of the letter handover, is similar to that seen in the first photo. 

Earlier this week, the body languge expert revealed insight into a meeting between Theresa May and Nichola Sturgeon. 

The pair held critical talks in Glasgow about the Scottish independence referendum, and according to Darren, there was more than a little awkwardness. 

He said: “A true smile would see certain muscles engaged on the face, however both women are faking a smile for the camera, as if being asked to say cheese whilst posing for a photo at an event you don’t want to be at.”