London — A senior figure in the European Parliament has suggested that the United Kingdom could pursue a “Switzerland plus” model if it chooses to deepen its ties with the European Union, a remark that lands as the Brexit debate reawakens in British politics.
Bernd Lange, a German MEP who chairs the Parliament’s International Trade Committee, told an audience in London on Thursday that the EU’s “doors are open” to Britain. Speaking at a panel discussion at Europe House, Lange said that a Switzerland-style arrangement, enhanced with additional cooperation, could be a realistic path.
“At the moment, my feeling is Switzerland plus,” he said, suggesting the deal could include “some kind of political cooperation” alongside agreements on trade, security, raw materials, and digital policy. He added that the ultimate step of rejoining the bloc “is not forbidden,” but stressed that the decision rests with the UK.
Lange, who was involved in the original Brexit negotiations, is in London this week for meetings with UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar and MPs Stella Creasy and Liam Byrne to discuss ways to bring the two sides “closer together.” According to The Guardian, he indicated that a Switzerland-plus deal could be negotiated within months of a decision to strengthen relations, and that he would “love to see the UK back.”
What does Switzerland plus mean?
Switzerland is not an EU member, but it has a web of bilateral agreements that grant it partial access to the single market. In return, Bern contributes to the EU’s cohesion fund and accepts free movement of people. A “plus” variant would likely extend that framework to cover areas such as security, digital trade, and raw materials, while adding a layer of political dialogue.
The model is not without its complications. Brussels has long complained that Switzerland’s piecemeal approach creates friction, and the EU has pushed for a more structured framework. Any UK version would need to address similar concerns, particularly around dispute resolution and level playing field guarantees.
Lange’s comments come as British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has called Brexit “more harm than good,” presses for a reassessment of the UK’s relationship with the EU. In a recent address to MPs, Burnham argued that “sticking with the current status quo is not good enough for Britain” and called for a conversation about future relations “if we are serious about promoting growth, controlling immigration, upholding our values and security.”
Burnham has not ruled out rejoining the bloc, listing it as one of several options. His overtures have drawn sharp criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accuses him of “unpicking” the Brexit withdrawal agreement and warns that he would not secure a better deal.
The political landscape in the UK remains divided, but the tone has shifted since the height of the Brexit wars. Polls suggest a growing number of Britons now view Brexit negatively, and Burnham’s government has made resetting ties with Brussels a priority. Yet any move toward closer alignment will face significant hurdles, both domestically and in Brussels, where fatigue with British exceptionalism lingers.
For the EU, the prospect of a closer UK relationship is not purely sentimental. A structured partnership could bolster European security and economic resilience, particularly as the bloc navigates challenges from trade tensions with China and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Lange’s openness reflects a pragmatic recognition that the UK, despite its departure, remains a key European partner.
Whether Burnham can deliver a Switzerland-plus deal, or whether he will face the same political obstacles that tripped up his predecessors, remains to be seen. But with Lange’s comments, the EU has signalled that the door is at least ajar.
