Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has warned British counterpart Andy Burnham against attempting to replicate Norway’s framework for governing relations with the European Union, POLITICO reported.
Støre stated that he would not recommend the Nordic model to the United Kingdom because the two national economies differ significantly. Norway participates in the EU single market through the European Economic Area, but the country operates outside the political bloc and holds no voting power regarding commercial rules.
Recalling outreach from British politicians following Brexit, Støre shared direct feedback he delivered during private discussions. “After Brexit, British friends called me and said: ‘tell us how you do it in Norway,'” Støre said, according to POLITICO.
“And I said: ‘if you left the EU because there was too much Brussels, don’t choose the Norwegian version. Because here, you know, we basically take most of their decisions and we apply them.'”
The warning arrives as Burnham prepares to travel to Brussels later in November to sign a series of cooperative agreements during a joint summit, Express reported. Burnham told the Mirror over the weekend that maintaining positive neighborly relations remains essential. “Conveniently, you want to have a good relationship with your neighbors, and the practical agreements we are closing with Europe will benefit families across the United Kingdom,” Burnham stated.
Any substantial policy shifts stemming from these discussions would only take effect following upcoming general elections, Express noted. Meanwhile, Burnham maintains strict adherence to the 2024 Labour Party red lines, which explicitly rule out any return to the European single market, the customs union, or the acceptance of freedom of movement.
