From BBC News · · 2m
UK cannot cherry-pick EU single market terms, Barnier warns
The EU's former Brexit negotiator says any UK return to the single market would require accepting all four freedoms, including free movement of people.
In brief
The EU's former Brexit negotiator says any UK return to the single market would require accepting all four freedoms, including free movement of people. Michel Barnier warned the UK cannot selectively join parts of the EU single market, insisting it must accept all four freedoms including free movement of people…
Barnier warns against cherry-picking
Michel Barnier, the EU's former Brexit negotiator, told the BBC that the UK cannot selectively join parts of the single market. Any return would require accepting all conditions.
“There will be no possibility to have one freedom and not the other.”
Four freedoms are non-negotiable
Barnier said the single market requires compliance with the four freedoms: circulation of goods, services, capital and people. These are conditions, not options.
“The four freedoms are clearly the four conditions to be inside a single market.”
Burnham exploring closer European ties
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who became prime minister in July, has suggested pursuing a much closer relationship with Europe, including potentially rejoining as a full member.
Free movement remains politically toxic
Free movement of people was a key issue in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Burnham's predecessor Sir Keir Starmer ruled it out in Labour's 2024 election manifesto.
Burnham says referendum needed
Burnham recently said he would not re-establish free movement of people without a referendum. Downing Street clarified he was not advocating its return at this point.
Financial rebate off the table
Barnier predicted EU countries would reject reinstating the British financial rebate first negotiated in nineteen eighty-five. The UK's exit created a new situation, he said.
Barnier attacks Farage over NHS claim
Barnier compared Reform leader Nigel Farage to French politician Marine Le Pen, accusing both of populism and lies. He cited the Vote Leave campaign's claim about three hundred fifty million pounds per week.
“when Mr Farage and Mr Johnson promised the UK people to get back £350 million per week, it was not true, it was not possible. It was a lie”
Farage hits back at Barnier
Farage, who led Leave UK and was not part of the Vote Leave campaign, responded that Barnier was arrogant and out of touch. He said Barnier vindicates the decision to leave.
“It is the same old Barnier - arrogant, out of touch and a bully.”
Brussels summit in ten days
Both sides are hoping to use a meeting in Brussels in ten days' time to unveil deals on food standards, youth visas and re-linking British industry to the EU's carbon trading regime.
Here's the gist
Michel Barnier warned the UK cannot selectively join parts of the EU single market, insisting it must accept all four freedoms including free movement of people.
