Britain could be given 'special' status once it reaches a Brexit deal

The United Kingdom could secure special status when it seeks to strike its post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, a German minister has said.Michael Roth, Germanys European Affairs minister said it is possible the UK could be given its own unique deal due to its size and its long-standing membership of the EU.He said: "Given Britain's size, significance and its long membership of the European Union, there will probably be a special status which only bears limited comparison to that of countries that have never belonged to the European Union."Mr Roth said he wants the relationship between the EU and the UK to be "as close as possible" but repeated a warning previously given by German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the UK will not be allowed to "cherry-pick" when it negotiates.One of the major sticking points between the UK Government and the EU is likely to centre around freedom of movement.Mr Roth also said he "can't imagine" the UK being allowed to keep its access to the European single market if it demands restrictions on freedom of movement during negotiations.What the UK's relationship with the EU could look like after a Leave vote was debated at length during the referendum campaign.Many people suggested the UK could follow the so-called Norwegian model, with Norway a member of the European Economic Area but not a member of the EU.Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: A Scottish MEP's EU remarks just got him a standing ovation
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