The British government has said reports that it is seeking a “Swiss-style” relationship with the EU are “categorically untrue.”
It follows a report in The Sunday Times that claimed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was considering building a closer economic relationship with the bloc in a bid to avoid trade barriers, a suggestion which attracted fierce criticism from eurosceptics within the party.
Speaking at the annual conference for the Confederation of British Industry on Monday, Sunak said that under his leadership “the United Kingdom will not pursue any relationship with Europe that relies on alignment with EU laws.” The prime minister, who voted for Brexit in the 2016 referendum, reiterated his belief in the UK’s independence, stating that it would bring economic benefits for the country….