Barnier warns UK cannot pick and choose single market terms

Michel Barnier, the former French prime minister and Brexit negotiator, has warned that the UK cannot rejoin the EU on an a la carte basis. He said the four freedoms of movement of people, goods, services and capital are the conditions for membership of the single market. 'There will be no possibility to have one freedom and not the other,' he said.

The comments come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to set out long-term options for the UK's relationship with Brussels around the time of an EU summit later this month. The options are likely to include rejoining the single market or customs union, readopting freedom of movement and potentially returning to the EU.

Barnier also said the British rebate would be off the table in any return. 'It cannot be exactly as the past situation before the Brexit,' he said. Burnham has drawn red lines, saying he would not join the euro or the border-free Schengen travel area. The UK previously secured opt-outs from both and a discount on its EU budget contribution.

Barnier accused Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson of telling lies and false promises during the Brexit campaign. Farage responded by calling him the same old Barnier and describing him as arrogant, out of touch and a bully. Barnier criticised Boris Johnson's claim that Britain sent £350 million a week to the EU. Critics said the figure did not take into account the British rebate or EU investment in the UK, while Johnson has said it was still a lot of money even with those caveats.

Burnham insists he will be led by what the British public wants. The EU summits later this month will only be the start of a long discussion. In his report, Jack Fenwick, the BBC's political correspondent, said the unofficial negotiations had already begun.

BBC One West reported that ministers insist the forthcoming summits will focus on technical deals to improve the economy in areas such as food and energy. It also reported that Labour MPs are nervous about relitigating the debates, and that reduced options for the Prime Minister could make the politics tricky.