Downing Road has insisted the federal government is dedicated to “sticking to our red lines”, after Wes Streeting appeared to endorse requires a bespoke UK-EU customs union.
The well being secretary appeared to interrupt ranks with the prime minister in an interview, the place he referred to as for a “deeper trading relationship with the EU”, and advised this could enhance financial progress.
Below such an association, the UK would get entry to tariff-free commerce with the bloc, whereas having to simply accept widespread requirements for traded items.
Talking to The Observer on Sunday, Mr Streeting dominated out a return to the one market, and thereby freedom of motion. However he appeared to depart the door open to the UK becoming a member of a customs union.
“The explanation why leaving the EU hit us so laborious as a rustic is due to the large financial advantages that got here with being within the single market and the customs union. This can be a nation and a authorities that wishes a more in-depth buying and selling relationship with Europe.
“The challenge is any economic partnership we have can’t lead to a return to freedom of movement.”
Labour’s 2024 common election manifesto set out three so-called “red lines” relating to the EU. It acknowledged: “There will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement.”
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Downing Road has insisted that this place stays, regardless of the requires nearer relations from Mr Streeting.
Talking to journalists on Monday morning, a spokesperson for the PM mentioned: “We all have been very open about the need to reset our relationship with the EU, and strengthen that relationship while sticking to our red lines for the long term.”
Mr Streeting remarks have been seized on by the Conservatives, who accused him of “political pitch-making”.
A Tory spokesperson mentioned: “Instead of focusing on running the health service, Wes Streeting is busy courting left-wing, pro-EU Labour Party members – now even floating the idea of dragging Britain back into the EU’s customs union.”
Picture:Streeting appeared to counsel nearer relations with the EU might present “enormous economic benefits”.Pic: PA
In the meantime, Reform UK deputy chief Richard Tice mentioned: “Starmer’s so-called ‘reset’ deal was already a shameful betrayal of what individuals voted for in 2016.
“Now we’ve heard it straight from the horse’s mouth, Labour Remoaners like Wes Streeting will not be satisfied until every valuable Brexit freedom is surrendered directly to Brussels.”
The well being secretary’s remarks observe rising calls inside Labour for the UK to enter right into a customs union with the bloc, which is Britain’s greatest buying and selling associate.
Earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy appeared to again strategies that this could occur.
