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Emmanuel Macron says UK could get 'special' deal with EU after Brexit

The French President Emmanuel Macron has said it will be possible for the UK to have a 'special, ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.32 20 Jan 2018


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Emmanuel Macron says UK could...

Emmanuel Macron says UK could get 'special' deal with EU after Brexit

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.32 20 Jan 2018


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The French President Emmanuel Macron has said it will be possible for the UK to have a 'special, bespoke' deal with the European Union after Brexit.

However, he has also warned that the UK cannot 'cherry-pick' rules for access to the single market.

In an interview with BBC's Andrew Marr, Mr Macron explained: "This 'special way' should be consistent with the preservation of the single market and our collective interests.

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"You cannot, by definition, have full access to the single market if you don't tick the boxes.

"There should be no cherry-picking in the single market because that's a dismantling of the single market."

He insisted that full access to the free market requires budget contributions and acceptance of principles such as freedom of movement.

He added: "As soon as you decide not to join the [European Union's] preconditions, it's not a full access - it's something perhaps between full access and a trade agreement.

"What is important is to not make people believe that it is possible to [have your cake and eat it]."

Mr Macron visited the UK earlier this week for a summit with Prime Minister Theresa May.

In a speech, Mrs May reiterated that her government are approaching negotiations "looking for a deep and special partnership, comprehensive trade agreement, and also a strong security partnership".


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