Brussels plot to make Britain a second-class member of the EU

BRITAIN could become a ‘secondclass’ member of the European Union under plans floated in Brussels yesterday.

An influential group of European federalists, who want to see Brussels given even greater powers, is suggesting the UK is relegated to ‘associate member’ status.

The move would see Britain remain part of the single market but freed from much of the social legislation and bureaucracy associated with full EU membership.

However, the UK would lose its veto on EU policy and would no longer have an EU commissioner or British representation in the European Parliament.

Downing Street was cool on the idea yesterday, saying that although David Cameron wanted a new relationship with the EU, based on membership of the single market, he was wary of adopting the same position as Norway – which although not a full EU member, as a major trading partner is obliged to adopt many of its regulations.

Critics condemn the position as being ‘ruled by fax’ from Brussels.

But some Eurosceptic Tories welcomed the suggestion, arguing that it was the first sign that federalist politicians were starting to take seriously the debate in the UK over the ever-increasing loss of sovereignty to Brussels.

Former Tory Cabinet minister John Redwood hailed the idea as ‘great news’, adding: ‘It shows that the UK can negotiate a new relationship with them. It shows that many on the Continent now recognise that the UK cannot join their euro union and needs a looser relationship with them based on trade.’

But fellow Tory Mark Pritchard said the proposal did not go far enough. ‘The UK should be free to trade with Europe but not shackled by the strictures and regulations of the single market,’ he said.

The Union of European Federalists is expected to set out its plan for Britain in a draft EU treaty in the spring.

British Lib Dem MEP Andrew Duff, who heads the group, said the proposal would create a new category of membership to ensure Britain did not leave altogether.

‘If David Cameron proposes a catalogue of opt- outs, derogations, red lines and rebates for Britain to pick and choose, then he will strengthen the argument for the creation of a formal association for the UK,’ he said. ‘The priority on the Continent is to create a federal system which works, and Britain is seen at present as a continual impediment.’