Liam Halligan in the ST did suggest there could be a “key” to Britain’s Brexit impasse, by leaving the EU on October 31 but staying temporarily in the European Economic Area (EEA) - the Norway way.
He said this option could be viable if the withdrawal agreement is rejected and a no deal Brexit is blocked.
If the UK were to leave in this way, he said it would mean: “Britain takes back immediate control of agriculture and fishing, but tariff-free trade continues.
“We could negotiate non-EU trade deals and huge annual payments to Brussels.
“Freedom of movement remains but, crucially, the UK can leave the EEA when it wants, by giving 12 months’ notice, in stark contrast to the withdrawal agreement.
“The idea of using the EEA to smooth our EU departure, ahead of cutting a free-trade agreement – an approached dubbed ‘Norway then Canada’ – is often dismissed by Brexiteers who think it’s a trap.
“Would they trust Johnson to use EEA only as a staging post? If so, it may end up being Britain’s key to Brexit.” Mail.
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