Starmer Advocates Closer EU Single Market Ties Over Customs Union
Labour leader Keir Starmer told BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that there would be no return to EU freedom of movement rights. Instead, he said closer ties with the EU single market are preferable to rejoining a customs union, signaling potential for closer alignment with the single market if it serves Britain's national interest. Starmer argued that economic integration through single market alignment should be the focus rather than a customs union, despite some cabinet colleagues, including health secretary Wes Streeting, justice secretary David Lammy, and TUC general secretary Paul Nowak, suggesting economic benefits from a new customs deal.
Labour has signed trade deals with the US and India since Starmer took office, reflecting changed circumstances which he says affect the argument for a customs union. However, backbench pressure remains, with 13 Labour MPs endorsing a Liberal Democrat proposal to join a customs union in a Commons vote. Starmer warned internal rivals that adopting a Tory-style chaotic approach could risk the return of Nigel Farage and prove counterproductive for Labour.
He expressed confidence that Labour could win the next election, emphasizing that the party has a five-year mandate to change the country and anticipates facing Reform as the main opposition. Additionally, Starmer highlighted plans for a youth mobility scheme with Europe to allow young people to travel and work in European countries, while not restoring full EU freedom of movement rights.
