'Switzerland plus' deal option for UK as it seeks closer ties with EU, senior MEP says
Bernd Lange's comments come as the Brexit debate has once again reignited across the UK after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for the country to readdress its relationship with Brussels.
A senior European Parliament member has suggested that the United Kingdom could explore a "Switzerland plus" deal if it seeks to deepen its relationship with the European Union. Bernd Lange, who leads the Parliament's International Trade Committee, stated that the EU's doors are open to Britain during a panel discussion in London.
Lange proposed that such a deal could encompass political cooperation alongside agreements on trade, security, raw materials, and digital policy. While he acknowledged that returning to full EU membership is not off the table, he emphasized that the decision lies with the UK. Lange, who participated in Brexit negotiations, made these comments during his visit to London for talks with UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar and MPs Stella Creasy and Liam Byrne.
The Swiss model of partial integration into the single market, which includes a financial contribution and free movement of people, serves as a potential template for the UK's potential new relationship with the EU.
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