Paul Nowak Advocates Closer UK-EU Relations and Cautious Immigration Reforms
Paul Nowak has urged the Labour party to seek a closer relationship with Europe, including the exploration of a customs union, to help grow the UK economy. He emphasized the need for a vastly improved trading arrangement after Brexit, especially given the unpredictable stance of the US under former President Trump.
In his New Year message, Nowak referenced a recent poll showing that four in five households feel their financial situations are stagnant or worsening. He cautioned Labour against being distracted by aggressive migration crackdowns and warned that overly stringent immigration reforms could negatively impact public services.
Nowak highlighted the broad voter support for closer trading ties with Europe, regardless of how they voted in the Brexit referendum. He downplayed speculation about Labour's leadership, mentioning Angela Rayner as a possible challenger but indicating it is unhelpful to engage in fantasy politics.
He also raised concerns about the rising rhetoric on racism from Reform UK, sharing the experience of a black woman social worker in County Durham who fears racial abuse. The Trades Union Congress (TUC), which Nowak represents, praised the Employment Rights Act and the repeal of anti-union legislation, anticipating an increase in union membership. The TUC supports decisive action on zero-hours contracts and bogus self-employment, as well as endorsing immigration reforms with caution to avoid adverse effects on public services.
