When asked about the possibility of Britain joining the scheme on Radio 4’s Today Programme on Thursday during a morning broadcast round, Pennycook said: “We’re not seeking to participate in that particular arrangement.
“I think in general the government has been very clear … that we do want a closer relationship with our European partners, both in trading terms but also importantly … in terms of security and defense cooperation, where we need to work far more closely.
“So absolutely we do want a closer relationship. As for this particular arrangement, no, we are not seeking to participate in it at the present time.”
Speaking at Cabinet Office questions in parliament on Thursday morning, Brexit Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “We of course welcome the positive constructive tone from Commissioner Šefčovič. We’re always looking to reduce barriers to trade but within our manifesto red lines, because we take a pragmatic view as to where the national interest lies.”
-“But we don’t currently have any plans to join PEM,” the minister added.
Mixed messages
The comments — which leave some wiggle room and do not rule out the idea — come after at the government’s Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander on Tuesday sounded more open.
Belgium
