Story perspectives

Labour's Starmer Considers Rejoining EU Customs Union Amid Poll Shift

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

Keir Starmer's government is discussing closer ties with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining the customs union.
Economic adviser Minouche Shafik has suggested that rejoining could significantly boost GDP.
Recent polling shows two-thirds of Labour voters prefer rejoining the customs union over tax increases.
Starmer maintains existing red lines on the customs union despite internal discussions.
Public sentiment is shifting, with many now more open to reconsidering Brexit-related policies.

History

Historical Context

The Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016, saw 51.9% of UK voters choose to leave the European Union, a decision rooted in decades of debate over sovereignty and immigration. Since then, economic experts like Minouche Shafik have suggested that rejoining the customs union could significantly boost GDP, prompting the Labour government under Keir Starmer to reconsider Brexit policies amid shifting public sentiment.

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Story summary

Keir Starmer's government is discussing closer ties with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining the customs union.
Economic adviser Minouche Shafik has suggested that rejoining could significantly boost GDP.
Recent polling shows two-thirds of Labour voters prefer rejoining the customs union over tax increases.
Starmer maintains existing red lines on the customs union despite internal discussions.
Public sentiment is shifting, with many now more open to reconsidering Brexit-related policies.

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