UK cannot 'cherry pick' EU single market deal, Barnier tells BBC
Summary
Michel Barnier said the UK could not rejoin the EU single market on a selective basis and would have to accept all four freedoms, including the free movement of people. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he wants to explore closer economic ties with the EU, while ruling out major changes before the next election.Key Facts
- Barnier led the EU’s Brexit negotiations from 2016 to 2021.
- Barnier said single-market participation would require the UK to follow rules covering the movement of goods, services, capital and people.
- Burnham has described rejoining the single market as one possible option for changing the UK’s long-term relationship with the EU.
- Burnham said he would not restore free movement without a referendum; Downing Street said he was not currently advocating its return.
- Barnier predicted EU countries would reject a new British rebate on contributions to the EU budget.
- The UK and EU hope to announce agreements on food standards, youth visas and linking British industry to the EU carbon trading system at a Brussels summit.
- Barnier accused Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson of making a false promise during the Brexit campaign about £350 million in weekly funding for the NHS.
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