The EU have to take that stance as that is what will happen if there is not a satisfactory outcome of the negotiations.
I think we rather hope that there will be a probably sector specific trade deal that will permit membership and voting rights for a fee, with an extended transition period to enable it.
Incidentally I didn't support the position we are now in 2015, but we are supposed to be healing our wounds and coming together to make it work.
Last edited by 22/04; 15th Apr 2018 at 11:15.
Reason: spelling