Story perspectives

Labour Divided Over EU Customs Union Rejoining Debate

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister, proposed rejoining the European Union's (EU) customs union to boost growth, citing Brexit's negative impact.
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, pushed back, saying the government will not rejoin the customs union.
Labour's manifesto opposes rejoining, but party members press for policy change amid weak growth forecasts.
Sir Keir Starmer said Labour wants a productive relationship with the EU, but Brexit should not dictate policy.

History

Historical Context

The Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016, resulted in 51.9% of UK voters choosing to leave the European Union, a decision rooted in longstanding debates over sovereignty and immigration. Following the vote, the UK faced economic challenges, including a 4% GDP decline in 2020. David Lammy's recent proposal to rejoin the EU's customs union highlights ongoing discussions about the referendum's lasting impact on UK-EU relations.

1 of 2

Story summary

David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister, proposed rejoining the European Union's (EU) customs union to boost growth, citing Brexit's negative impact.
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, pushed back, saying the government will not rejoin the customs union.
Labour's manifesto opposes rejoining, but party members press for policy change amid weak growth forecasts.
Sir Keir Starmer said Labour wants a productive relationship with the EU, but Brexit should not dictate policy.

1 / 2