Here is the report I wrote for @peoplesvote_uk on Norway Plus option. It highlights difficulties in negotiating what would be a bespoke deal. It would also only exacerbate problems with current deal. Norway Plus takes us from rule-makers to lobbyists. d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/in/pages/16759…
Norway Plus is best possible Brexit. That is, a Brexit in name only. All instruments we’d leave we’d either try to rejoin (eg foreign policy) or be forced to stay aligned to (eg agriculture/fish). In other words, it’s pointless. We don’t have to settle for it when we can remain.
Regarding free movement: in my draft I made clear that FoM is not a problem. I believe it is an unqualified good. I also don’t think we need worry about losing control over reforming it. Anyone who follows me here knows that I believe we should champion FoM, not apologise for it.
Rather, the section on free movement is designed to refute the delusions of EEA advocates that we can use EEA safeguards (Article 112) to end FoM. Idea is preposterous. We will not be able to, and if we do, EU will retaliate. If you don’t want FoM, don’t try to join EEA.
People’s Vote campaign clearly doesn’t have a problem with free movement. It literally wants to Remain. Some people want to reform FoM; others, like me, are happy with what we have. Point is that Norway Plus won’t work in long run for Leavers or Remainers. Let’s just stay in EU.
