Brexit special trade agreement possible

Emmanuel Macron has said Britain can secure the bespoke Brexit trade deal Theresa May wants, but warned there would be a trade off.

The French President said giving the UK’s financial services full access to the single market without accepting its rules was “not feasible”.

He also said that while he respected the result of the June 23 referendum, he would “love” to welcome the UK back.

In an interview with BBC One’s Andrew Marr show to be broadcast tomorrow, but conducted during his visit to the UK earlier this week, he was asked whether a bespoke special solution for Britain was possible.

He said: “Sure, but... this special way should be consistent with the preservation of the single market and our collective interests.

“And you should understand that you cannot, by definition, have the full access to the single market if you don’t tick the box.”

The “preconditions” Britain would have to accept for full access would include freedom of movement, budget contributions and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice – all thing ruled out by Ms May in the long term.

He added: “So it’s something perhaps between this full access and a trade agreement.”

Mr Macron said specifically that allowing the UK’s financial services sector access was “not feasible” if the UK did not accept the obligations.

But he also insisted he did not want to “unplug” the City from the EU, adding: “It doesn’t make sense, because it’s part of the whole financing of our European Union.”

Asked if it was inevitable that Britain would leave, he replied: “I mean, it’s on your own. It depends on you.

“I mean, I do respect this vote, I do regret this vote, and I would love to welcome you again.”

Source: AFP