UK cannot 'cherry pick' EU single market deal, Barnier tells BBC
The former Brexit negotiator says EU countries would reject any British attempts to follow economic rules "a la carte".
The UK's hopes for a bespoke Brexit deal with the EU's single market have been dashed by Michel Barnier, the former chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union. In an interview with the BBC, Barnier made it clear that the EU will not allow the UK to "cherry pick" its way into a selective agreement, where Britain would adopt only certain EU economic rules. This is significant because it suggests that the UK's post-Brexit ambitions for a flexible, tailored relationship with the EU may not be achievable.
Barnier's comments are a reminder of the EU's consistent stance on Brexit: that the UK cannot have the benefits of EU membership without the responsibilities. The EU's single market is built on the principle of free movement of goods, services, and people, and the bloc is unlikely to permit the UK to opt in and out of its rules as it sees fit. This has implications for the UK's financial sector, which has been seeking to maintain access to the EU's single market.
What's next to watch is how the UK government responds to Barnier's comments and whether it will adjust its negotiating strategy. The UK is currently seeking a "Canada-style" free trade agreement with the EU, but Barnier's remarks suggest that this may not be on the table. As Brexit talks continue, the UK will need to reconcile its ambitions with the EU's more hardline stance, and it remains to be seen whether a mutually acceptable deal can be reached.
Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.