UK-EU goods market plans have not moved forward after British officials suggested a single goods market with the European Union, the BBC reported.
Industry figures briefed on the proposal said the idea faced scepticism from the EU. Talks now focus on narrower deals covering food, farm products, energy trade and emissions trading.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have called for a closer post-Brexit economic relationship with the EU. The government said it had sent a range of options to Brussels in recent months.
The United Kingdom left the European Union after the 2016 Brexit referendum. The current talks come before a UK-EU summit expected in July.
British business groups were briefed on the proposal and the EU’s concerns. EU officials questioned whether such access could fit the UK’s red lines on freedom of movement.
Read: Europe Will Not Yield to Bullying Over Greenland Threat, Says Macron
The government is also advancing a European Partnership Bill. The bill could provide a legal route for UK-EU rule alignment in negotiated sectors, including food trade.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said the government was negotiating an “ambitious package” before the summit. Reported areas include a sanitary and phytosanitary deal for food and drink, and cooperation on emissions trading.
