UK calls on former EU chief to help break Brexit deadlock

A source told Sky News that Mr Van Rompuy was invited to attend the dinner because he is seen as an 'influencer' with the potential capability to seek out a compromise between the two sides. Mr Van Rompuy was at the helm in the European Council throughout the Greek financial crisis, which threatened the stability of the euro. Greece was finally bailed out in a compromise deal overseen by Mr Van Rompuy.