And Jayne Adye has told Prime Minister Boris Johnson he must join forces with Bern to thwart the bloc’s expansionist agenda - and expose its “fragility”. Years of talks aimed at binding Switzerland more closely to the European Union's single market collapsed on Wednesday, when the Swiss government ditched a draft 2018 treaty that would have cemented ties with its biggest trading partner.

Faced with fierce opposition to the pact domestically, the Swiss Cabinet said it would break off talks and seek an alternative way forward.

Ms Adye told Express.co.uk: “The recent discussions between the EU and Switzerland have a very familiar feeling to all those who have been involved in Brexit negotiations.

“Just as they did with the UK, the EU is trying to force their agenda onto Switzerland, with no regard for national sovereignty.”

Boris Johnson has been urged to join forces with Switzerland against Brussels

Jayne Adye shared Express.co.uk's story on Facebook

She added: “This is nothing new for the Swiss, and their resilience in the face of EU threats shows we have a great deal to learn from them in how to deal with Brussels for the decades to come.

“The EU bureaucrats see themselves as the dominant force in Europe, to whom all should bow down before.”

Ms Adye said: “This is a narrative the UK should work with Switzerland to destroy.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin

“It couldn’t be further from the truth and the more both countries stand up to Brussels, the more other member states will see the fragility and pettiness of the EU.”

Bern said substantial differences remained on key aspects of the agreement - including on the free movement of people, EU citizens' access to Swiss social benefits, and state aid.

Speaking on Wednesday, a Swiss Government spokesman said: "The Federal Council today took the decision not to sign the agreement, and communicated this decision to the EU.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis

“This brings the negotiations on the draft of the InstA (treaty) to a close.”

EU-Swiss economic ties are currently governed by more than 100 bilateral agreements stretching back to 1972, which remain in effect.

However, walking away from a deal could over time disrupt and ultimately jeopardise Switzerland's de facto membership in the EU common market which - unlike Britain which made an unruly exit from the bloc - Bern is keen to maintain.

Ursula von der Leyen factfile

The failure to strike a deal means Switzerland is excluded from any new access to the single market, such as an electricity union or health cooperation.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said: "We are opening a new chapter in our relations, hopefully a fruitful one.”

Brussels has been pushing for a decade for a treaty which would see the Swiss adopt changes to single market rules.

Guy Parmelin and Ursula von der Leyen last month

It would also have provided a more effective way to resolve disputes.

A statement issued by the European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, said: "Without this agreement, this modernisation of our relationship will not be possible and our bilateral agreements will inevitably age.”

Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis admitted there would be disadvantages for Switzerland, but insisted erosion of the existing bilateral accords would happen slowly.

He added: "That gives us time to react with mitigation measures.”