EU: Britain could be given 'second-class' membership of bloc
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.Conservative Eurosceptics have given a cautious welcome to a suggestion by senior European Union politicians that Britain could be given a “second-class” membership of the bloc.
Under the proposal, the United Kingdom would be designated an associate member of the EU, remaining in the single market. But it would surrender its ability to influence the trading zone, losing Britain’s Commissioner in Brussels, its Euro-MPs and its veto rights in the European Council.
The plan has been put forward by the Union of European Federalists, a group of organisations campaigning for closer ties within the EU.
The former Cabinet minister John Redwood described the proposal as “great news”. He said: “It shows that the UK can negotiate a new relationship with them. It shows that many on the continent now recognise that the UK cannot join their Euro union and needs a looser relationship with them based on trade.”
Dozens of Tory MPs – as well as the London Mayor Boris Johnson – have backed the vision of a dramatically slimmed down EU returning to its roots as a trading bloc.
David Cameron is set out his proposals to renegotiate Britain’s position within the EU in a speech this month. He has made clear he does not favour withdrawal from the EU, but wants some powers currently in Brussels to be repatriated.
Tonight Downing Street distanced itself from the proposal. But a source added: “The Prime Minister thinks that with the changes that are going on in the EU at the moment, there is a potential for a fresh settlement, taking back powers but keeping the best elements of the single market.”
Andrew Duff, a Liberal Democrat MP, who heads the Union of European Federalists, told Radio 4’s PM programme: “We're now at a point where there ought also to be the option of various formal tiers of membership.”
It will publish its proposals for restructuring the EU within months.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments