In a definitive statement on the UK's future relationship with the European Union, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out any return to the bloc's freedom of movement rights. Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg on BBC One's Sunday programme, Starmer provided his clearest indication yet that his government is seeking to deepen economic links with Brussels, but strictly on its own terms.
Single Market Alignment Over Customs Union
The Prime Minister articulated a significant shift in strategic thinking, stating that pursuing closer alignment with the EU single market is now preferable to joining a customs union. This marks a notable departure from positions held by some within his own cabinet and the wider Labour Party.
"If it's in our national interest... then we should consider that, we should go that far," Starmer declared regarding potential alignment. He directly addressed suggestions from colleagues, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who have publicly floated the economic benefits of a new customs deal.
"I argued for a customs union for many years with the EU, but a lot of water has now gone under the bridge," Starmer explained. He pointed to new international trade agreements secured under Labour, including deals with the United States and India, as changing the calculus. "We are better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment," he concluded.
Internal Pressures and a Youth Mobility Scheme
The Prime Minister's comments come amid growing internal pressure. Last month, 13 Labour MPs backed a Liberal Democrat proposal in the Commons to join a customs union. Furthermore, his economic adviser, Minouche Shafik, is among those who have reportedly suggested internally that a customs union could be a powerful driver for growth.
While firmly closing the door on a return to broad freedom of movement, Starmer defended plans for a targeted youth mobility scheme. This would allow young Britons and Europeans to travel, work, and experience life across borders. "We are looking at a youth mobility scheme which will be for young people to travel, to work, to enjoy themselves in different European countries, to have that experience," he stated.
Warning Against Chaos and Eyeing the Next Election
Starmer issued a stark warning to internal critics, cautioning that recreating the "chaos" of the previous Conservative government's leadership battles would "gift" power to Nigel Farage and the Reform party. He positioned the next general election as a fundamental choice for the country.
"The next election is going to be about a question of, what is it to be British?" Starmer said, framing the contest as a battle between a Labour government and a "very rightwing proposition" from Reform, which he labelled a "toxic divide." He affirmed his commitment to his five-year mandate, stating he would be judged at the next election on delivering the change promised in July 2024.
The promotion of Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister for EU negotiations, to full cabinet rank in November had already signalled Starmer's intent to revisit and strengthen ties with Brussels. However, his latest interview meticulously defines the boundaries and priorities of that engagement, placing single market cooperation at the forefront while decisively ruling out more fundamental reintegration.
