No 10 Reaffirms Commitment to Labour Red Lines on UK-EU Customs Union Amidst Streeting Comments
Downing Street has reiterated its commitment to Labour's red lines on the UK-EU relationship, emphasizing that the government will not rejoin the customs union. This statement follows comments by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who told The Observer about the possibility of a deeper trading relationship with the EU that could include tariff-free access under a customs union and common standards. However, Streeting ruled out any return to the single market and freedom of movement.
A UK government spokesperson clarified that while the long-term objective is to reset the relationship, it will not involve abandoning established red lines, including rejoining the customs union. Labour's 2024 manifesto explicitly states three red lines: no return to the single market, no return to the customs union, and no freedom of movement.
The comments from Streeting have drawn criticism from Conservative allies who accused him of political pitch-making and seeking to court pro-EU Labour members by proposing closer EU ties and potential rejoining of the customs union. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice attacked Streeting's position, characterizing it as a betrayal of the 2016 Brexit vote and a surrender of the freedoms gained from Brexit.
Earlier in the month, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also reportedly endorsed calls for closer EU ties or a customs-union-style arrangement, indicating ongoing debate within the party about the UK's future relationship with the EU.
