Very interesting, but I doubt EU would accept. Why? (Thread)
1. Concern is not really about standards: EU expects the UK to diverge – otherwise what is the point of leaving the SM & CU?
2. It’s about how you manage divergence: EU has a sophisticated system to monitor compliance and enforce common standards (why? See this by @nick_gutteridge : goo.gl/3x4KF1).
3. Currently, no way for EU to check 'EU' standards are being respected in third countries. Switzerland suggested new EU-Swiss structures – proposal was rejected. Why?
4. Because this would set a precedent for third countries seeking greater access to the single market (think South Korea, Japan).
5. EU would also be sceptical of any arrangement that maintained similar standards in goods but not services (think back to reaction to UK Gov three baskets approach). Very difficult to separate both.
6. Also on the UK side: no guarantee Parliament would support full alignment with EU standards on goods, even for a short period of time.
7. Hardly reclaiming sovereignty – plus would UK adopt new EU standards on goods with no say over their shaping?
8. And how would UK monitor compliance? Need new structures/capacity.
9. Conclusion: yes, complying with EU standards would facilitate trade with EU (report shows how); but key issue remains: how will these standards be enforced and monitored? And will a UK process be enough to satisfy the EU?
