Labour MPs Back Liberal Democrat Bill for Bespoke EU Customs Union, Starmer Cautious
A Liberal Democrat bill aiming to negotiate the UK's accession to a bespoke EU customs union has gained the support of 13 Labour MPs and is advancing to its second reading in Parliament.
The proposed plan envisions creating a personalised customs union arrangement with the EU, distinct from rejoining the existing EU customs union.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has made clear that pursuing such a move is not official Labour policy at present.
Labour peer Harriet Harman has suggested that the party could consider a customs union with selective elements to facilitate smoother trading relations without fully rejoining.
This ongoing discussion highlights the possibility of establishing a new tailored trading partnership with the EU.
However, former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has warned that the policy could be politically damaging for Labour and may take months or years to implement, describing it as "fuel for Reform."
