Barnier Tells UK No Cherry Picking in Single Market Return

Michel Barnier, the architect of the EU's Brexit strategy, declared on Friday that Britain cannot simply select the most attractive segments of the European single market. He issued the warning after Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested that rejoining the internal market is a viable option for reshaping post-Brexit relations. Barnier told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that the concept of a single market a la carte does not exist.

The former French prime minister emphasized that access to the single market requires accepting the same terms as other members. This includes the four freedoms: the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. Barnier stated there will be no possibility to have one freedom without the others. He described the four freedoms as the clear conditions for being inside the single market, a system that allows goods to trade without border controls.

Barnier, who led the EU delegation during Brexit talks from 2016 to 2021, added that the door remains open for the UK to rejoin as a full member. He noted that EU members would insist Britain readopt specific conditions, particularly the free movement of people, in exchange for market access. This stance complicates the political landscape for Burnham, who has indicated he could commit Labour to a closer relationship with Europe since taking office in July.

The free movement of people remains a contentious issue. It was a central topic in the 2016 referendum. Burnham's predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, ruled out restoring it in Labour's 2024 manifesto. Advocating for its return would likely create a dividing line between Labour, the Conservatives, and Reform UK in future elections. Burnham recently stated he would not bring back free movement without a referendum. Downing Street clarified that he is not proposing its return at this point, though he aims to set out different options at a Brussels summit later this month.

Barnier also predicted that EU countries would reject restoring the British financial rebate. Originally negotiated in 1985, this rebate lowered UK contributions to the bloc's budget. Barnier argued that Brexit created a new situation, meaning a new rebate would be off the table. He drew a parallel between Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Marine Le Pen, labeling them both as populists who make false promises.

Pressed on the accusation, Barnier pointed to the Vote Leave campaign's claim that Britain sent 350 million pounds a week to the EU. He called the figure a lie, noting it was not possible. The 350 million pound figure appeared on the side of the Vote Leave campaign bus alongside a pledge to fund the NHS. Critics have long noted that this number represented a gross contribution that ignored the UK's rebate, worth about 75 million pounds a week, and EU investment in Britain.

Boris Johnson, a key figure in the Leave campaign, defended the number in his 2024 memoirs. He argued it was based on the UK's gross contribution and that even a net figure of 175 million pounds was a substantial amount of money. Farage, who led the separate Leave UK campaign, hit back at Barnier's comments. He described the former negotiator as arrogant, out of touch, and a bully, claiming Barnier vindicates the decision to leave every time he speaks.

The UK and EU are currently negotiating a series of agreements on different aspects of the post-Brexit relationship. Both sides hope to use a summit in Brussels in 10 days to unveil deals on food standards, youth visas, and re-linking British industry to the EU's carbon trading regime.