So what does staying in the single market actually mean?
âStaying in the single market while leaving the EU means keeping almost every aspect of the status quo of our relationship with the EUââ âwhilst giving up our participation in decision-making. The only change would be to shift from being a rule-maker to being a rule-taker. This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
The other alternative is the âSwiss modelâ which is effectively what Britain is heading towards. Switzerland is not in the single market but it has a patchwork of complex agreements with the European Union. The whole set up is incredibly complicated legally and administratively. This is exactly what people mean when they warn that the negotiations will be very complex and difficult to conclude quickly (the first deal proposed between the Swiss and EU to 6 years to negotiate and was ultimately rejected). This is the herculean task before the government. I think it probably canât be done without substantially extending the negotiation period. Sensibly, the Labour Partyâs official position focuses on holding the Government to account for the outcomes it achieves in those negotiations.
The demand to remain in the single market is something that is either not possible after the notification of withdrawal under article 50 (remaining in the single market by remaining in the EU) or not desirable (remaining almost in the single market by joining the EEA but losing control on rule-making).â - Tom Kibasi