Brexit ministers meet Norwegian government following admission UK could keep funding EU budget

Børge Brende is in London for discussions with the UK

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox (pictured), as well as Brexit Secretary David Davis will meet the Norwegian foreign minister (AFP/Getty Images)

David Davis, Liam Fox, and Boris Johnson will meet with Norway’s foreign minister today, amid reports that the UK may still contribute to the EU budget after it leaves the union.

Norway’s arrangement with the EU involves membership of the single market and implementing all EU directives – as well as making a contribution to the EU budget.

Mr Davis and Mr Johnson hinted this weekend that the UK could still pay into EU coffers after it left, though the Foreign Secretary has said he did not think those payments would necessarily be “large”.

The Brexit Secretary said payments to the single market would be considered if they offer the “best possible access for goods and services”.

Norway’s conservative Foreign Minister Børge Brende said on Monday morning: “I’m meeting your secretaries today, Boris Johnson, David Davis, and Liam Fox. We will look at how we can also secure Liam Fox.

“We’re looking at how we can secure a close relationship with the UK going forward.”

Norway’s experience outside the EU but inside the single market could provide invaluable lessons for the three ministers in charge of Brexit – the so-called "Brexit Troika".

Mr Brende said Norway’s arrangements with the bloc had served it well – though the country’s government warned ahead of the EU referendum that Britain should not leave.

Børge Brende, Norway's foreign minister, is in London (Getty Images)

“There is a consensus in Norway that it is in our interests to be a part of the single market and that is what we have to contribute to,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“We also do funding for countries in the EU that are the new members but also those facing the biggest challenges when it comes to development.”

Mr Brende continued: “Since 1992 we have been part of the single market through the EEA agreement and that has served our country well.

“It would say also it has served the EU well. 70 per cent of our exports go to the EU but we are also an important market for the European Union.”

The UK currently pays around £8 billion a year into the EU budget net of what it gets out in financial aid.