UK bankers drop push to keep easy EU access after Brexit

London

THE UK'S finance industry dropped its demand to maintain the current easy access to the European Union's single market once Brexit takes place.

In a 17-point list of industry priorities for the upcoming negotiations released on Thursday, TheCityUK lobby group made no mention of so-called passporting, which currently allows banks with bases in London to service markets throughout the EU. Instead, the group is pushing for a new deal that offers access and additional time to adapt.

Prime Minister Theresa May's government has signalled it won't give the finance sector any special status in the divorce talks and EU leaders have suggested they will object to an extension of …