UK cannot 'cherry pick' EU single market, Barnier warns

2026-11-08 · Politics · United Kingdom · European Union

Former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told the BBC that EU countries would reject any British attempts to follow economic rules 'a la carte', saying the UK cannot 'cherry pick' a single market deal. Separately, the Home Office is being sued for alleged breach of the Brexit withdrawal agreement after stripping almost 1,500 EU citizens of their full rights to live in the UK. Campaign group the3million lodged papers at the high court after EU citizens were told their pre-settled status was an 'error'. The developments show continuing friction over post-Brexit arrangements.

Why it matters：The disputes show how Brexit's unfinished business still shapes UK-EU relations and the rights of millions of EU citizens in Britain.

Key points

• Barnier said EU countries would reject 'a la carte' British alignment.
• The Home Office is being sued over stripping rights from EU citizens.
• Almost 1,500 EU citizens lost full residency rights.

Sources (original reporting)

• BBC
• The Guardian

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