Barnier Warns UK Must Accept 4 Freedoms to Rejoin Single Market
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 7
Barnier Warns UK Must Accept 4 Freedoms to Rejoin Single Market
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 7
Summary
Michel Barnier said Andy Burnham cannot re-enter the EU single market on an "à la carte" basis, insisting any UK return would require accepting all four freedoms.
Free movement of people would be one of those conditions, Barnier told the BBC before a Brussels summit in 10 days, reviving the issue that dominated the 2016 Brexit vote.
Barnier also said a revived UK budget rebate is "off the table," arguing Brexit created a new situation even as he said the door remains open to full EU membership.
Burnham has floated closer economic ties — including single-market membership or even rejoining the EU — but says he will not make major changes before the next election and would not restore free movement without a referendum.
The Brussels meeting is expected to focus more immediately on narrower deals covering food standards, youth visas and reconnecting Britain to the EU carbon market.