UK Minister Does Not Recognize Report Gov't Wants Swiss-Style Ties with EU

British Health Minister Steve Barclay said on Sunday he does not recognize a report that the government wants to move towards a Swiss-style relationship with the European Union.

Under new prime minister Rishi Sunak, the government will look to pursue frictionless trade with the EU in a deal modeled on Switzerland's relationship with the bloc although this would not involve a return to freedom of movement, the Sunday Times said.

"I don't recognize this story at all," Barclay told Sky News. "I don't support that. I want to maximize the opportunities that Brexit offers," Reuters reported.

Switzerland has negotiated access to the European single market, but in return has to accept conditions including allowing freedom movement of workers from EU countries and payments into the bloc's budget.