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 establishing the "closest possible economic and political relationship with the European Union" 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. His comments come as Starmer has stated his intention to "reset" relations with Brussels, while ruling out rejoining the EU's single market and customs union.

The Labour Party's manifesto previously ruled out joining the existing EU customs union. Starmer's position reflects concerns that rejoining the customs union could jeopardize recent trade deals with countries like the United States and India, according to government sources.

Several Labour MPs have expressed interest in exploring closer ties with the EU. Thirteen Labour MPs recently voted in favor of a motion to discuss joining an EU customs union. Senior cabinet ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, have also alluded to the possibility of re-evaluating the party's stance on EU relations.

The TUC has also called on the government to fully deliver a workers' rights bill. The organization maintains that improved trade relations with the EU, alongside strengthened worker protections, are vital for boosting the UK economy. The debate over the UK's relationship with the EU is ongoing, with various voices within the Labour Party and the broader political landscape advocating for different approaches.