UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled the UK may seek closer ties with the European Union. Starmer EU alignment comments risk reigniting tensions within his cabinet.
He said the UK should align more closely with the EU single market when it serves national interests. Moreover, he added, “we should go that far.”
However, Starmer rejected calls to rejoin a customs union. His remarks came days after Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the economic benefits of such an arrangement.
He explained that the UK had signed trade deals with the US and India. Therefore, a customs union would require undoing those agreements, which he said was impractical.
Instead, Starmer said the UK could go further on single market alignment. He highlighted steps agreed last year on agriculture and food standards. Consequently, he suggested the UK should consider deeper alignment if it benefits the country.
On the customs union, he said: “I understand why people ask about it. However, we are better focusing on single market alignment given our existing trade deals.”
Starmer also ruled out restoring EU freedom of movement. Nevertheless, he pointed to a proposed scheme allowing young people to work in the UK and EU temporarily.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel accused Starmer of a “Brexit betrayal.” She argued he was surrendering UK sovereignty in pursuit of single market alignment.
Before Christmas, Downing Street insisted Starmer remained “very happy” with his cabinet. Yet Streeting’s earlier comments advocating closer EU ties were widely seen as a challenge to the Prime Minister.
Labour ministers have increasingly discussed Brexit’s economic costs. Recent analysis estimates the UK loses up to £90 billion annually due to leaving the EU.
The Liberal Democrats plan to force a parliamentary vote on a customs union. They will table an amendment to the upcoming EU Reset Bill, expected soon.
Earlier this month, over a dozen Labour MPs joined Lib Dems calling for government talks on a UK-EU customs union.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey criticised the Labour government for being “too timid” in rebuilding ties with Europe. He added that businesses face red tape and families pay the price of Brexit.
Starmer EU alignment remains under scrutiny as ministers and MPs debate the balance between economic benefit and sovereignty. The Prime Minister faces pressure from both backbenchers and opposition parties.
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