Brussels' former chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has asserted that the United Kingdom cannot rejoin the European Union without reinstating freedom of movement and relinquishing the £5 billion annual rebate secured by Margaret Thatcher in 1984. Barnier's remarks come as a senior UK minister voiced opposition to closer ties with the EU, highlighting internal divisions on the issue.
Andy Burnham, a key figure in advocating for deeper UK-EU relations, is scheduled to sign agreements in Brussels on November 20. These deals are intended to reduce post-Brexit trade barriers in food and farming and enhance collaboration on emissions trading. Burnham has stated that the ultimate decision on rejoining the EU rests with the British public, but he has also indicated a desire for increased European integration.
Cabinet Minister Lisa Nandy, a political ally of the Prime Minister, expressed reservations about rejoining the bloc. "There are costs as well as benefits to a closer relationship," Nandy told the BBC, emphasizing that many promises made about the benefits of the current Brexit deal have not yet materialized.
When questioned about the possibility of rejoining the single market without unrestricted movement of people, Barnier stated, "There is no cherry picking. There will be no possibility to have one freedom and not the other. The four freedoms (of goods, movement of people, services and capital) are clearly the four conditions to be inside the single market." He clarified that while there would be no specific fee to rejoin, a "usual contribution of any member state to build to the European budget" would be required.
Conservative Party analysis suggests that rejoining the EU could cost the UK £23 billion over a decade, equating to £1,220 per family, drawing comparisons to Switzerland's financial contributions for similar access. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's approach, stating, "Now Britain has left the EU, we should continue to negotiate confidently with our European friends. What I see from Burnham is not confidence but weakness."
Burnham, in comments to the Sunday Mirror, argued that closer ties with Europe could help reduce household costs. "It pays to have a good relationship with your neighbours, and the practical deals we are agreeing with Europe will pay off for families across the UK," he said. He also suggested that improved cooperation could drive growth, enhance national security, and provide more tools to address illegal migration.