Nigel Farage has reiterated his belief that Britain’s post-Brexit agreement with the EU is ripe for improvement, although he gave scant detail on what shape those changes might take.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Reform UK leader argued that the UK should remain “friendly” with Brussels, but avoid deepening “industrial collaboration” that he claims would reduce the nation’s flexibility in forging trade deals with partners such as the US.
Farage’s remarks followed a YouGov poll that placed his party narrowly ahead of Labour for the first time. Asked whether closer ties with the EU might serve the national interest, he insisted the Johnson-era Brexit deal was “not very good” and needs refining. Even so, he pushed back against any agreement that would open British waters to further European fishing rights, or, in his words, take “steps … back towards a failing European Union”.
Despite polls suggesting a public appetite for improved EU relations, Farage said the referendum result was “very, very clear”. He maintained that Britain should instead look outwards to secure stronger trade relations around the globe, rather than reorienting towards Brussels.
Read more:
Farage insists UK’s Brexit deal can be improved but fails to say how