21 NOVEMBER 2022 | NEWS
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made assurances that the UK is not headed for a Swiss-style relationship with the European Union.
It comes amid reports that some figures in Government want a deal with the EU with less trading friction and more immigration, despite Ministers denying the story.
Mr Sunak says the UK will not pursue a post-Brexit relationship with the bloc “that relies on alignment with EU laws”.
Speaking at the CBI conference, the Prime Minister said: “I voted for Brexit; I believe in Brexit.
“I know that Brexit can deliver, and is already delivering, enormous benefits and opportunities for the country.”
He also argued that Brexit means the UK now has “proper control of our borders”.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who voted to remain in the European Union, said last week that he hoped the UK would be able to remove trade barriers with the EU, but added that it would “take time”.
He said: “Having unfettered trade with our neighbours and countries all over the world is very beneficial to growth.”
Switzerland, as a non-Member State, has a deal with the EU whereby it participates in parts of the Single Market, enjoys free movement and contributes to the EU budget.
It is also a member of the Schengen free travel area, which enables cross-border travel without the need to carry a passport or pass through border controls.
Switzerland implements EU legislation covering particular sectors such as agriculture, public procurement, statistics and transport because of its bespoke treaties with the bloc.
However, the EU dislikes the system it has with the Swiss, due to the complexities caused by the treaties.
But there is a sentiment among some Conservative MPs to return to the EU’s Single Market.
In June, Tobias Ellwood made clear his view that the UK should rejoin the Single Market in a “Norway model”, which led to the MP losing the party whip – though it has since been reinstated.
