EU Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt says Theresa May can't 'cherry pick' benefits of the European Union
'If you want the advantages of a single market and customs union, you have to take the obligations'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The European Parliament's point man for Brexit negotiations has said Theresa May is creating an “illusion” after she outlined Britain's plan for leaving the European Union.
Guy Verhofstadt said the United Kingdom would not be allowed to “cherry pick” the benefits of the EU but said it was important that clarity had been given on the country's position.
The former Prime Minister of Belgium made the statement at the European Parliament and also said it was “not very helpful” that there had been discussions about Britain becoming a tax haven.
“I think it creates an illusion that you can go out of the single market and the customs union and you can cherry pick and still have a number of advantages.
“I think this will not happen. We shall never accept a situation in which it is better to be outside the single market than be a member of the European union,” Mr Verhofstadt said.
“If you want the advantages you of a single market and customs union, you have to take the obligations,” he added.
Mr Verhofstadt added that the 22 committees of the European Parliament would now scrutinise and analyse the proposals that had been put forward by Ms May.
The British Prime Minister said the United Kingdom would not remain a full member of the EU customs union after Brexit, and instead would negotiate its own trade deals with the rest of the world.
Ms May suggested Britain would prefer to retain a form of "associate membership" of the union, limiting the increase in red tape for businesses who export to continental Europe.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments