The Times reported that the UK might pay the EU up to £1 billion annually for improved access to the single market, with European negotiators describing this as a condition for further integration with the EU market [1]. One European diplomat said, "If the UK wants further integration they must ‘pay to play.’" The UK government did not deny the reports but said it did not recognise the £1 billion figure [1].
Conservative Party figures strongly rejected the reported plan. Priti Patel called it a "hit job on British taxpayers," accusing Starmer of unpicking Brexit by agreeing to a £1 billion annual payment while taking EU rules without representation. She said, "Starmer is unpicking Brexit and planning another undemocratic hit job on British taxpayers by signing us up to a £1bn annual payment to the EU." [1]
Kemi Badenoch described paying the fee as "the worst of all worlds," arguing it meant paying money to the EU and accepting rules without having a say over them. "Paying £1bn is the worst of all worlds, because then we’re paying money to the EU, we’re taking their rules, but we have no say over them. That’s the wrong way round," she said [1].
Mel Stride, also of the Conservative Party, said they would in principle welcome Starmer’s announcement about joining the EU's €90 billion loan package for Ukraine but said they wanted to see the full details [1].
The Guardian live blog on May 4 published multiple reports and reactions following the Times story about the possibility of the UK paying the EU for easier single-market access [1].
The debate reflects a disagreement between European negotiators and UK Conservatives over the terms. While EU representatives say payments are a normal "pay to play" condition for access, Conservative voices condemn such payments as unacceptable [1].
The UK government has yet to confirm or deny plans to join the proposed single-market payment scheme or the Ukraine loan arrangement in full. Further announcements are expected as negotiations continue.
