Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that the UK should pursue closer alignment with the European Union's single market rather than seeking a customs union. In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer said the government should consider 'even closer alignment' with the single market if it serves the national interest. He stated, 'We are better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment,' directly pushing back against suggestions from some cabinet colleagues, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who have advocated a new customs deal.
The comments drew immediate criticism from opposition parties. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel labelled the remarks a 'Brexit betrayal', accusing Starmer of 'surrendering our freedom to cut regulation and strike our own trade deals'. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed the approach was 'a breach of good faith with Labour voters' and criticised potential energy market co-operation with the EU, saying it would tie the UK to 'crazy EU net zero policies and carbon taxes'. A Labour source responded by highlighting Farage's 'militant opposition to any relationship with Europe', arguing that his stance harms British businesses and fuels division.
Starmer noted that circumstances have changed since he previously advocated for a customs union, pointing to new trade deals with the United States and India signed under Labour. He stressed there would be no return to full freedom of movement but defended a proposed youth mobility scheme for young people to travel and work in EU countries. The government has made slow progress on the food and drink agreement announced in May, and negotiations continue with several disputes. The battle over EU ties is expected to be a key dividing line between Labour and Reform UK.
