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Lammy Suggests EU Customs Union Could Boost UK Economy

12/5/2025

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Summary

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Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy suggested rejoining the EU's customs union could boost the UK economy.
Lammy said this is not current government policy.
He noted that other countries have benefited from such arrangements, as Labour faces pressure to rethink EU relations after poor forecasts.
Darren Jones, Sir Keir Starmer’s chief secretary, criticized Lammy for discussing policy on a podcast.
The Labour manifesto pledges not to rejoin the single market or customs union.

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Story summary

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy suggested rejoining the EU's customs union could boost the UK economy.
Lammy said this is not current government policy.
He noted that other countries have benefited from such arrangements, as Labour faces pressure to rethink EU relations after poor forecasts.
Darren Jones, Sir Keir Starmer’s chief secretary, criticized Lammy for discussing policy on a podcast.
The Labour manifesto pledges not to rejoin the single market or customs union.