Paul Nowak urges Labour to pursue closer UK–EU ties and focus on living standards
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has called on the Labour Party to seek a closer relationship between the UK and the European Union, including the possibility of a customs union. He argues that a deeper trading relationship with Europe is urgently needed to support the economy amid ongoing Brexit challenges and rising price pressures.
Nowak emphasizes that Labour should prioritize improving living standards and addressing the cost of living crisis rather than being distracted by leadership contests. He also cautions against adopting a hardline stance on migration or implementing reforms to indefinite leave to remain, warning these could negatively affect public services.
Highlighting public dissatisfaction, Nowak notes polls indicating about 80% of households feel their financial situations are stagnant or worsening, underscoring the necessity for government action. He also points to the unpredictability of former US President Donald Trump as reinforcing the case for stronger ties with Europe rather than relying excessively on the US.
Although Angela Rayner has been mentioned as a potential Labour leadership challenger, Nowak avoids engaging in what he terms "fantasy politics" and stresses the importance of delivering tangible results.
He raises concerns regarding the influence of Reform UK and the normalization of racist language, sharing the personal anecdote of a black woman social worker in County Durham facing such challenges.
Nowak supports the Make Work Pay reforms, which include ending zero-hours contracts by enforcing fixed hours, establishing a single status for workers to eliminate bogus self-employment, and repealing anti-union legislation. He anticipates that union membership will rise as a result.
He calls for Labour to demonstrate its left-wing credentials through initiatives such as an employment rights bill, nationalization policies, and closing the two-child benefit gap. Nowak urges progressives to actively engage with government processes to advance reforms, rather than remain passive observers.
