Starmer has signalled that the UK could seek closer alignment with the EU single market, saying it would be considered \u201cif it\u2019s in our national interest,\u201d in his clearest indication yet that Labour is exploring deeper economic ties with Brussels.<\/p>\n
Amid a worsening economic crisis, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the UK should pursue closer ties with the EU single market rather than rejoining a customs union. The remarks are the clearest sign yet that the government is exploring ways to deepen economic links with Brussels.<\/p>\n
Starmer told BBC news that the UK should consider \u201ceven closer alignment\u201d with the single market if it is in the national interest. \u201cIf it\u2019s in our national interest \u2026 then we should consider that, we should go that far,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADSingle market preferred to customs union<\/p>\n
Responding to cabinet colleagues who have suggested a new customs union could benefit the UK, Starmer said he did not think that was the solution. \u201cWe are better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Justice Secretary David Lammy, and TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak have previously argued that a customs deal could bring economic gains. Starmer\u2019s comments, hinting at further dynamic alignment beyond the food and drink deal agreed in May, drew immediate criticism from Reform UK and Conservative figures.<\/p>\n
Trade deals and changing priorities<\/p>\n
Starmer acknowledged that much had changed in recent years, including new trade deals under Labour. \u201cI argued for a customs union for many years with the EU, but a lot of water has now gone under the bridge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that recent deals with the US and India, which he said serve the national interest, meant the UK should now prioritise alignment with the single market rather than returning to a customs union.<\/p>\n
Ongoing negotiations with Brussels<\/p>\n
Progress has been slow on the latest EU agreements, with the UK stepping back from plans to join a multi-billion-pound EU defence fund. Talks continue over the new food and drink (SPS) agreement and a youth mobility programme, though several disputes remain unresolved.<\/p>\n
Starmer said any closer alignment with the EU would not include a return to full freedom of movement. He defended a youth mobility scheme aimed at allowing young people to travel, work, and gain experience across European countries.<\/p>\n
Backlash from opponents<\/p>\n
The shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, described Starmer\u2019s remarks as a \u201cBrexit betrayal,\u201d claiming he was \u201csurrendering our freedom to cut regulation and strike our own trade deals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the comments breached trust with Labour voters and criticised potential EU cooperation on energy markets, arguing it would tie the UK to \u201ccrazy EU net zero policies and carbon taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Labour source countered that Farage\u2019s opposition to closer European ties and clean energy initiatives fuels a politics of division, while Labour seeks to make UK businesses and households better off.<\/p>\n
Hints of revisiting EU ties<\/p>\n
Starmer has suggested in recent months a desire to strengthen EU relations. In November, Nick Thomas-Symonds, responsible for EU negotiations, was promoted to full cabinet rank. Economic adviser Minouche Shafik has also recommended internally that returning to the customs union could be an effective way to boost growth.<\/p>\n
Starmer emphasised that any future alignment would be \u201cif it\u2019s in our national interest\u201d and ruled out revisiting manifesto promises to rejoin the EU single market or customs union, or to end freedom of movement.<\/p>\n
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n
The Conservatives responded by claiming Starmer was using Brexit as a scapegoat for the UK\u2019s economic challenges.<\/p>\n