Barnier warns UK cannot ‘cherry pick’ single market in closer EU ties
Former EU negotiator says four freedoms are inseparable as PM Burnham explores options for post-Brexit relationship
The EU’s former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has told the BBC the United Kingdom cannot “cherry pick” which elements of the single market it wants to adopt, warning that any move to rejoin the bloc’s internal market would require accepting the free movement of people and other conditions. His remarks come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham explores options for closer economic ties with Europe, including possible re-entry into the single market, though he has ruled out significant changes before the next election.