The customs union between Great Britain and the European Union (EU), as proposed by the British opposition Labor Party, would be a solution that exists with Turkey, and it does not allow full access to the single market, French President Emmanuel Macron said today.
"The customs union is a solution that already exists, such a relationship exists with Turkey," Macron said after a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the Elysee Palace.
The leader of the British opposition Labor Party, Jeremy Corbyn, advocated yesterday for a "new customs union" with the EU after Great Britain's withdrawal from the Union (Brexit).
"The Labor Party will seek to negotiate a new comprehensive customs union between the UK and the EU to ensure there are no tariffs with Europe and avoid any possibility of a hard border for the Republic of Ireland with (the British province of) Northern Ireland," Corbyn said.
Corbyn said that any country that is geographically close to the EU but is not a member of it, such as Turkey, Switzerland or Norway, has close ties with the EU and added that Great Britain will need such ties with the Union after Brexit.
Today, Macron cited the example of Norway, which is not a member of the EU, but has an agreement that allows it access to the single market, but with restrictions requested by the Union.
"It can be a reference point for Brexit, but the red lines set by the British prevent them from following the Norwegian path. Great Britain will actually be further from the EU than Norway if it confirms such a position," Macron added.
Norway's prime minister said her country's model is "difficult for the British" because it entails respecting the "four freedoms" - the freedom of movement of people, capital, goods and services, as well as respecting the rules of the European Court of Justice.
There is disagreement in the UK over whether the country should stay or leave the customs union after Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May has previously said she is in favor of leaving that type of union, which the opposition opposes.
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