Starmer pushes for closer EU ties as customs union gains support from some Labour MPs.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has signaled the party's desire to deepen its ties with the European Union, stating that a closer alignment with the single market is preferable to a customs union. The move comes as some within the party have called for a customs union with the EU, arguing it could bring economic benefits.
Starmer believes that aligning more closely with the single market will be in Britain's national interest, citing recent trade deals with the US and India as examples of successful cooperation. He acknowledged that much has changed since he argued for a customs union with the EU years ago, but now sees the single market as a better option.
The decision has drawn criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called Starmer's comments a "Brexit betrayal" and accused him of surrendering Britain's freedom to cut regulation and strike its own trade deals. Farage also expressed concerns about potential cooperation with the EU on energy markets.
However, some Labour MPs have supported the idea of a customs union, including health secretary Wes Streeting and justice secretary David Lammy. A recent poll found that 13 Labour MPs had signed up to join a customs union, sparking tension within the party.
Starmer has warned his internal rivals that backing a customs union could lead to a government led by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has been vocal in his opposition to any relationship with Europe. The Labour leader believes that aligning more closely with the EU will allow Britain to be compassionate, reasonable, and live and let live.
The decision highlights the ongoing debate within the Labour party about its approach to Europe and trade. As the next general election approaches, Starmer's stance on closer ties with the EU is likely to become a key dividing line between Labour and Reform UK.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has signaled the party's desire to deepen its ties with the European Union, stating that a closer alignment with the single market is preferable to a customs union. The move comes as some within the party have called for a customs union with the EU, arguing it could bring economic benefits.
Starmer believes that aligning more closely with the single market will be in Britain's national interest, citing recent trade deals with the US and India as examples of successful cooperation. He acknowledged that much has changed since he argued for a customs union with the EU years ago, but now sees the single market as a better option.
The decision has drawn criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called Starmer's comments a "Brexit betrayal" and accused him of surrendering Britain's freedom to cut regulation and strike its own trade deals. Farage also expressed concerns about potential cooperation with the EU on energy markets.
However, some Labour MPs have supported the idea of a customs union, including health secretary Wes Streeting and justice secretary David Lammy. A recent poll found that 13 Labour MPs had signed up to join a customs union, sparking tension within the party.
Starmer has warned his internal rivals that backing a customs union could lead to a government led by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has been vocal in his opposition to any relationship with Europe. The Labour leader believes that aligning more closely with the EU will allow Britain to be compassionate, reasonable, and live and let live.
The decision highlights the ongoing debate within the Labour party about its approach to Europe and trade. As the next general election approaches, Starmer's stance on closer ties with the EU is likely to become a key dividing line between Labour and Reform UK.
... like, I get it, Keir Starmer wants us to be friends with the EU again, but some people are all worried about losing control over our own decisions 
. And then there's Nigel Farage being, well, his usual dramatic self 
. It's hard not to feel like, we just wanna get on with it and figure out what works best for us, you know? 
. Like, it's not just about the EU or trade anymore; it's about our future leaders and how they're gonna make decisions that affect our lives 
. So, yeah, this whole situation feels pretty overwhelming 
.
, and having closer ties with the EU can bring in some serious economic benefits 
, plus we're not exactly swimming in trade deals right now 
, and a customs union could lead to more regulation which isn't great for small businesses 
.
, but the problem is that we're not in the same place as we were a few years ago, and things have changed 
, so maybe this customs union thing wasn't the best idea from the start 
.
.
But what really gets my goat is how Nigel Farage is just going to go off the deep end about this 
. I think Starmer's stance on this will really test the party's cohesion in the lead-up to the next election 
.
but i'm also curious to see how reform uk will react, they seem really opposed to any relationship w/ europe... and 13 labour MPs already signed up for a customs union? thats like a big deal!!! 
what do u guys think tho?
A customs union might seem like an easy way out, but trust me, it's not that straightforward. With the EU single market, we can still be our own boss while having access to a massive market 
. It's not a betrayal, it's about finding what works best for us 
. A closer tie with the EU doesn't mean we lose control over our own trade decisions 
. So yeah, I'm all for this! 
. Starmer's just a sellout if you ask me 
...
plus, let's be real, who doesn't want to live and let live (like he said)? 
.
anyway, starmer is probs hoping to avoid Farage's leadership vibes... lets see how this all plays out 