It would be difficult for the UK to follow the 'Swiss' or 'Norwegian' models as an alternative to EU membership.

David Cameron’s announcement that he intends to hold a referendum on the UK’s relationship with Europe has raised the prospect of the country leaving the EU. What would happen, however, if voters did choose to leave? Jóhanna Jónsdóttir assesses whether the UK could follow the example of countries like Norway and Switzerland in using the European Free Trade Association as an alternative to EU membership. She notes that while this would allow the UK to continue to participate in the single market, there are significant potential problems associated with the approach.