The British government has said reports that it is seeking a “Swiss-style” relationship with the EU are “categorically untrue.”
Earlier in the day a government spokesperson said that Brexit meant the UK would never have to accept a relationship with Europe which would jeopardise the full benefit of possible trade deals around the world, despite some criticism from Conservative MPs over the quality of such arrangements.
Switzerland’s relationship with the EU sees the country independent of the 27-member bloc, however the country has benefits such as frictionless trade, participation in EU research and education programmes, and freedom of movement, in return for a significant contribution to the EU budget.
During Brexit negotiations the UK was offered the Swiss-style arrangement, but it was rejected as the British government believed it removed too many freedoms that the country could enjoy.
On Nov. 17, in an assessment to coincide with the chancellor’s autumn financial statement, the country’s Office of Budget Responsibility said Brexit had a “significant adverse impact” on the UK economy, which like the rest of the world is already struggling from high inflation and rising energy costs.
While Brexit supporters argue that they haven’t had the opportunity to prove the benefits of the UK’s departure, some critics believe the deal was not practical, with a resolution over the ongoing problems at the Northern Ireland border still outstanding.