London denies seeking a "Swiss-style" relationship with the European Union

The British government on Sunday denied a report that it was seeking a "Swiss-style" relationship with the European Union, which would remove many of the economic barriers resulting from Brexit, as it tries to improve relations with the bloc after years. of sharp disagreement.

"I don't endorse" the Sunday Times report, Health Secretary Steve Barclay told Sky News, stressing that the UK remained determined to "take advantage of the freedoms we gained from Brexit" by moving away from EU rules in key areas. .

Switzerland maintains close economic relations with the 27-country European Union, in return for accepting the bloc's rules and pumping money into its coffers.

“Brexit means we will never again have to accept a relationship with Europe that would see a return to freedom of movement, unnecessary payments to the EU or jeopardize the full benefit of the trade deals we can now strike around the world,” the UK government said.

But despite the denials, the new Conservative government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to restore relations with the European Union, recognizing that Brexit has caused an economic cost to Britain.

For his part, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt last week expressed optimism that trade barriers between the UK and the EU will be removed in the coming years.

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