Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has warned the UK that EU leaders were serious when they said the country would be left without access to the single market when it leaves the bloc if there was no free movement of people.

In an interview with the BBC, Dr Muscat said talks on the details of a "new relationship" could be delayed.

Dr Muscat said the UK and EU needed to reach agreement on a range of details once UK Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

He said these included the bill the UK had to pay before leaving, establishing what would happen to the UK-Republic of Ireland border and working out interim arrangements on issues like security.

Malta assumes the EU's presidency in January.

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