Britain willing to discuss paying into EU to join electricity market, says minister

Hamish Falconer says UK has ‘not accepted principle’ of linking electricity trade to ‘cohesion fund’ but two sides will discuss issue

Britain is willing to discuss paying towards infrastructure schemes in poorer parts of the EU in return for access to the European electricity market, according to the minister in charge of renegotiating the bilateral relationship.

Hamish Falconer, the cabinet minister in charge of EU talks, told the Guardian he was sure the two sides would discuss the issue after this month’s summit, as ministers look to deepen ties with the union over the next few years.

Andy Burnham, the prime minister, has said he wants a much closer relationship with the EU in the future, even raising the possibility of rejoining as a full member.