The key facts

  • Bernd Lange (EP, international trade committee) called 'Switzerland plus' an option for the UK and said the 'EU's doors are open'
  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for a rethink of relations with the EU; Kemi Badenoch accuses him of 'unpicking' the withdrawal agreement
  • A UK–EU summit is scheduled for 20 November

The 'Switzerland plus' option

Speaking in London on Thursday at a panel at Europe House, Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's international trade committee, said the 'EU's doors are open' for the United Kingdom. 'At the moment, in my feeling, it is Switzerland plus,' he said, explaining that such a model could include 'some form of political cooperation' as well as agreements on trade, security, raw materials and digital policy. 'Of course, the last step — to come back — is not forbidden. But this is in your hands,' he added. According to The Guardian, Lange said a 'Switzerland plus' deal could be agreed within a few months after a decision to deepen ties with Brussels, and that he 'would be happy to see the UK back.'

The Swiss agreements model

Switzerland is not an EU member but has a series of bilateral agreements with the bloc that give it access to parts of the single market and ensure, in its wording, 'smooth relations' in trade, security, transport and education. In exchange for partial integration into the single market, Switzerland makes a financial contribution to the EU's economic and social cohesion fund; the arrangement also includes the free movement of people.

The renewed Brexit debate

Lange's comments came amid a newly reignited debate in the UK over Brexit. Prime Minister Andy Burnham told MPs this week that 'keeping the current status quo is not good enough for Britain' and that a conversation about the future relationship is 'necessary if we are serious about boosting growth, controlling immigration, protecting our values and security.' Burnham, who previously said Brexit 'has done more harm than good,' has repeatedly signalled his intention to bring the country closer to the EU and has named rejoining the bloc as one possible option. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the prime minister of 'unpicking' the EU withdrawal agreement and warned that he will not get a better deal.

The visit and the summit

Lange, who took part in the Brexit negotiations, is in London on a visit during which he is also due to meet UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar, as well as MPs Stella Creasy and Liam Byrne, to discuss options for closer UK–EU ties. A UK–EU summit is scheduled for 20 November.