In Search of a National Compromise: Common Market 2.0

With Prime Minister Theresa May’s EU withdrawal agreement again defeated by the UK parliament and a majority of MPs opposed to 'No Deal', parliament appears to know what it doesn’t want but not what it does. Against this background, what sort of deal could win a majority in the House of Commons and form the basis of a national compromise?

A cross party panel of MPs present their way forward: the so-called ‘Common Market 2.0’ proposal (also known as ‘Norway Plus’). This option involves accepting the current withdrawal agreement but renegotiating the political declaration, committing the UK to join the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

As members of EFTA, the UK would maintain full participation in the single market via the European Economic Area but would leave the EU’s political institutions, thus, it is argued, respecting the result of the 2016 referendum while protecting the economy.

Could such a future relationship with the EU gain popular public support among the UK electorate? Why might this option prove acceptable to the EU? And what are the admitted limitations of the plan that might impact its viability as a compromise Brexit in the best interests of both the UK and the EU?

This event will be livestreamed.