UK can’t cherry-pick the best bits of single market, says Coveney
BRITISH demands to cherry-pick aspects of the single market are unlikely to pass muster in Europe in their current form, Tanáiste Simon Coveney has warned.
The much-anticipated white paper published by the UK yesterday is a welcome step towards a softer Brexit, Mr Coveney says, but contradictions remain in Theresa May’s approach.
Britain’s position had become more credible and Europe would take it seriously, he said. But the plan for UK access to the single market for goods only will be a concern in Europe.
The four freedoms of the single market – to allow the free movement of labour, goods, services and capital – are considered indivisible.
“There are some proposals that will concern other EU countries because the single market and the four freedoms that are part of that – that are indivisible in most people’s eyes – are a very important part of the privilege of EU membership,” Mr Coveney said.
“I don’t believe that Michel Barnier will, or will be allowed to, compromise the functioning of the single market or to compromise the functioning of a common customs union.”
Amid a cautious welcome to the proposals as a “step in the right direction towards a pragmatic, sensible, Brexit”, Mr Coveney warned of difficult negotiations ahead.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said a “considered response” would be forthcoming from the Government next week when there is time to digest the white paper and discuss it with the Barnier negotiating team.
Mr Varadkar said he believed both sides would need to “move a little”, but declined to say what areas the EU would be willing to show flexibility on.