Paul Nowak, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to consider a customs union with the European Union to stimulate economic growth. Nowak told the BBC that a close economic and political relationship with the EU would be "essential" for improving living standards and maintaining faith in mainstream politics.
Nowak argued that a customs union would reduce trade barriers with the UK's largest market. He emphasized the importance of not dismissing options that could benefit the UK's economic outlook. "We need the closest possible economic and political relationship with the European Union," Nowak stated.
Starmer has expressed a desire to "reset" relations with Brussels, but he has ruled out rejoining the EU's single market and customs union. Labour's manifesto also excluded signing up to the existing EU customs union. The prime minister fears that recent trade deals with the US and India would be jeopardized if the UK rejoined.
The TUC has been advocating for stronger workers' rights and has called on the government to fully deliver a workers' rights bill. The organization believes that improved economic ties with the EU could complement these efforts.
While Labour has officially ruled out rejoining the customs union, some senior cabinet ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, have hinted at a willingness to explore closer ties with the EU. Thirteen Labour MPs recently voted in favor of talks on joining an EU customs union, indicating differing opinions within the party. The debate over the UK's relationship with the EU continues as the country seeks to navigate its post-Brexit economic future.
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