Labour MPs Support Bill to Negotiate Bespoke EU Customs Union Arrangement Despite Starmer's Position
Thirteen Labour MPs have backed a Liberal Democrat bill calling on the UK government to begin negotiations on joining an EU customs union through a bespoke or customised arrangement.
The bill proposes negotiating a unique trading arrangement with the EU rather than fully rejoining the existing single market or customs union.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has stated that rejoining the customs union is not currently official Labour policy.
The bill has successfully progressed to a second reading in Parliament following a vote.
Baroness Harriet Harman has suggested that Labour could adopt elements of the customs union to facilitate smoother trading without completely rejoining it.
However, Ruth Davidson warned that pursuing such a policy could create political difficulties for Labour and provide ammunition for Reform UK.
The ongoing discussions focus on either pursuing a partial or customised customs arrangement or establishing a new trading partnership with the EU.
