Conservative government 'considers closer relations with EU to overcome trade barriers'

Leaders in Rishi Sunak's government are reportedly considering a closer relationship with the EU to avoid trade barriers that hurt business relationships between UK businesses and block Senior figures in Rishi Sunak's government are reportedly considering a closer relationship with the EU (

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Senior officials in Rishi Sunak's government are reportedly considering putting the UK on the path to a Swiss-style relationship with the EU.

The Sunday Times reports that the move could take place over the next decade as the government considers a closer relationship with the EU that avoids current trade barriers.

Such a move, just a few years after Boris Johnson struck a deal with the EU after years of back-and-forth negotiations, would likely enrage Tory Brexiteers.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay dismissed the report saying, "I don't recognize this story at all."

However, the Times has suggested that behind closed doors some government officials have indicated that pursuing a frictionless trade relationship with the bloc requires moving to a Swiss-style deal over the next 10 years.

But that would not extend to a return to freedom of movement.

The UK is engaged in long-standing talks with the EU over the Northern Ireland Protocol (

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Switzerland and the EU maintain close economic relations based on a series of bilateral agreements, giving the country direct access to parts of the EU internal market, including the free movement of people.

The UK is engaged in long-running talks with the EU over...