British Health Secretary Steve Barclay has said he "does not recognise" a report that the government wants to move towards a Swiss-style relationship with the EU.
Under the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK will pursue frictionless trade with the EU in a deal modelled on Switzerland's relationship with the bloc, although this would not involve a return to freedom of movement, The Sunday Times reported.
Any such shift, not long after former prime minister Boris Johnson secured a deal with the EU after years of back-and-forth negotiations, would likely inflame backbench Tory Brexiteers.
"I don't recognise this story at all," Mr Barclay told Sky News on Sunday. "I don't support that. I want to maximise the opportunities that Brexit offers."
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.
Simon Clarke, a former minister, was among those to criticise any suggestion that Britain could pursue a Swiss-style deal.
"I very much hope and believe this isn’t something under consideration," he said on Twitter.
"We settled the question of leaving the European Union, definitively, in 2019."
Britain is currently locked in talks with the EU over the Northern Ireland Protocol. This is the part of the Brexit deal that mandated checks on some goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK due to the region's open land border with EU member Ireland.
Unionists have opposed the protocol, claiming it impedes trade between Northern Ireland and Great Britain by placing a border in the Irish Sea.
This has resulted in the collapse of Northern Ireland's devolved government, with senior civil servants left to run departments.
However, there have been renewed hopes in recent weeks that a deal can be secured and the relationship improved between the UK and the EU after years of tension.
Agencies contributed to this report
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
The biog
Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.
It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.
They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.
EXPATS
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PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
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