Britain could rejoin the EU on special terms, former chief Brexit negotiator says
The European Union’s former chief Brexit negotiator said Britain could rejoin the bloc on some special terms it enjoyed before the vote to leave.
Michel Barnier said that unlike new members, Britain would not have to adopt the euro and could remain outside the passport-free Schengen travel area.
As the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote approaches, his comments will be seen as a major boost to those campaigning for Britain to rejoin the EU.
Mr Barnier also said the evidence that Britain had made the wrong choice in the referendum was becoming clearer “every day”.
He added: “It wouldn’t be right to say that the problems the UK is experiencing today are due to Brexit, but I’m sure all these problems are made more difficult because of Brexit.”
He also poured cold water on Sir Keir Starmer’s hopes for closer economic ties with the EU if it does not agree to freedom of action. Asked if this was possible, he said “no”, adding that there was no political desire “to present any argument to the far right in France or elsewhere”.
Last month Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski warned Britain not to expect a deal similar to its past “de facto à la carte membership”.
All EU member states are expected to join the euro, except Denmark.
But five of the 13 countries that have joined the EU since 2004 have yet to adopt the single currency.
When it comes to Schengen, Ireland is the only EU member state with the right to officially withdraw from the passport-free travel area.
Barnier, who becomes prime minister of France in 2024, said he believes Britain can regain some of its old preferences.
He said: “I’m talking about Schengen, I’m talking about the single currency: there are other member countries that are not included in Schengen. It is entirely possible to give up these areas.”
But he did not address whether he could secure a rebate from Margaret Thatcher, who reduced Britain’s financial contribution to the bloc’s budget.
He said: “The DNA of the EU is solidarity, where one more developed country helps another… We’ll see if the UK asks to join the EU. It will be a choice and open to negotiation. I’ll be available for free advice then.”
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