Quote Originally Posted by one_a_day View Post
Because it is never going to happen. Membership of the single market means keeping all of the EU's "four freedoms" - goods, services, capital, and labour. If they conceded on the freedom of movement for the UK then every other country would want it.
That has been the EU position. But we have not started trade negotiations and this position may well be negotiated if it can be argued that tariff free trade and friction-less borders will benefit EU business too. Surely you should go into negotiations with all options open and your angle that would get YOU the best deal as well as the best deal for the EU.

Again, to remove this position before negotiations begin - why? How do you KNOW it isn't going to happen?

(I would agree however that it is unlikely, but that doesn't mean you should just throw your best outcome in the bin before you enter the negotiating room. Does it??!)