UK could deepen EU ties within months under ‘Switzerland plus’ deal, MEP says

The United Kingdom could negotiate a “Switzerland plus” arrangement with the European Union within months if it decides to deepen ties with the bloc, German MEP Bernd Lange has said, as Britain reopens debate over its post-Brexit relationship with Europe.

The United Kingdom could negotiate a “Switzerland plus” arrangement with the European Union within months if it decides to deepen ties with the bloc, German MEP Bernd Lange has said, as Britain reopens debate over its post-Brexit relationship with Europe.

Lange, who was involved in Brexit negotiations and chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, said he would welcome Britain’s return to closer cooperation with the EU.

“I would love to see the UK back,” Lange told The Guardian.

He suggested that a Swiss-style arrangement could offer Britain access to parts of the EU single market without full membership. Switzerland is not an EU member but has a series of agreements with the bloc covering areas including trade and transport. Its arrangement also involves free movement of people and financial contributions to EU funds.

Lange described the proposal as “Switzerland plus”, saying it could include broader political engagement while stopping short of full EU membership. He said the decision on closer ties rested with Britain.

His comments come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham considers options for strengthening relations with Brussels. Burnham has said the current post-Brexit arrangements are not sufficient, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused him of trying to “unpick” the Brexit withdrawal agreement and warned that he would not secure a better deal.

During a visit to London, Lange was due to meet UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar and lawmakers Stella Creasy and Liam Byrne to discuss closer UK-EU cooperation.

The comments come ahead of a UK-EU summit scheduled for November 20 in Brussels, where leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation.