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Starmer outlines shift toward closer EU market ties
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated the country should pursue deeper alignment with the European Union's single market if it serves Britain's economic interests, though he ruled out rejoining the bloc or reversing Brexit.
Single market focus over customs union
In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer emphasized that future alignment efforts should prioritize the single market rather than the customs union. He argued this approach would safeguard recently negotiated trade deals with India and the United States while avoiding commitments that could undermine them.
"We are better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment," he said. "It wouldn't be in our interest now to give up" the existing trade agreements.
Sector-by-sector alignment proposed
Starmer framed the move as a sovereign decision, citing improved UK-EU relations over the past decade. He suggested alignment could be explored on a case-by-case basis, pointing to ongoing cooperation in food and agriculture as a model.
"There are other areas where we should consider whether it's in our interest to align with the single market," he said. "That needs to be considered issue-by-issue, sector-by-sector."
Brexit promises remain intact
The prime minister reiterated his commitment to earlier pledges, including not rejoining the EU single market, customs union, or restoring freedom of movement. He dismissed accusations of backtracking on Brexit, insisting the focus should be on "looking forward" rather than "picking over the bones" of the 2016 referendum.
When pressed on a potential youth mobility scheme, Starmer clarified: "That is not the return to freedom of movement. We're not going back to freedom of movement." However, he expressed support for expanding opportunities for young people, including the UK's return to the Erasmus student exchange program.
Political reactions split along party lines
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel criticized Starmer's remarks, accusing him of "unpicking and unravelling Brexit" and using it as an excuse for economic struggles. "This is another excuse for him, rather than fixing the fundamental problems his government has created," she said.
"He's simply not the way forward."
Priti Patel, Conservative Party
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran welcomed Starmer's "warm language" on EU alignment but argued her party would prioritize rejoining the customs union over the single market, citing concerns over free movement requirements.
Labour backbenchers have also pushed for closer ties, with 13 MPs backing proposals in December to pave the way for a customs union. Meanwhile, Trades Union Congress (TUC) general secretary Paul Nowak has called for the "closest possible economic and political relationship" with the EU to boost growth.
Turkey's customs union model cited as alternative
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy recently highlighted Turkey's customs union with the EU as a potential blueprint for the UK. While Turkey's deal excludes agriculture and services, it eliminates origin checks-a persistent post-Brexit challenge for Britain. Lammy noted the arrangement had supported Turkey's economic growth but stressed it was "not currently" Labour's policy.
