Press Release - 18th October 2007

In a five-day series of articles for The Daily Telegraph, Global Vision sets out a realistic, global alternative to the current relationship between Britain and Europe.  The articles shows how Britain can negotiate a better, more modern relationship in order to get the best out of Europe. 

In the third article in the series on the Telegraph's website today, Sir Rocco Forte seeks to answer a critical question in the EU debate: Would Britain have to eschew the benefits of the ‘borderless Europe' lifestyle under a new, more modern relationship with the European Union?

Forte states, "Switzerland is an interesting ‘model' which we can learn from."  Through bilateral agreements, Swiss and EU citizens enjoy ‘lifestyle benefits' such as the right to travel and work in each other's territory, the mutual recognition of qualifications, and reciprocal retirement arrangements. Switzerland is also due to join the Schengen Area in 2008, which will allow for the free movement of people across national borders without the need for passport checks.    

He goes on to argue that,

"Switzerland seems to be in a win-win situation with the EU.  It has the benefits of trade and it has the ‘lifestyle benefits' it judges to be beneficial. But it does not have the increasing restrictions, costs and burdens that Britain is currently experiencing as a full member of the EU.  As it is not in the Single Market, it does not have to worry about the EU's business regulations, though it can, of course, comply with them if it wishes to for business reasons."

If Britain were to adopt a policy to negotiate a looser relationship with Europe, then we, too, could be in a win-win situation. 

Don't miss tomorrow's article from Martin Howe, which will examine the legal and negotiating implications of a looser relationship between the UK and EU. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/