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Labour proposes limited customs deal to ease Brexit red tape

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 11:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Keir Burnham, UK Labour leader, signals shift toward closer EU ties.
He notes Makerfield voted 65% Leave, making a pro-EU move delicate.
He proposes a limited customs arrangement to ease Brexit red tape without reopening constitutional questions.
Treasury will model costs of re-joining the customs union versus full EU membership.
Opponents warn EU rules on nationalisation and procurement could clash with Labour’s public-ownership agenda.

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Story summary

Keir Burnham, UK Labour leader, signals shift toward closer EU ties.
He notes Makerfield voted 65% Leave, making a pro-EU move delicate.
He proposes a limited customs arrangement to ease Brexit red tape without reopening constitutional questions.
Treasury will model costs of re-joining the customs union versus full EU membership.
Opponents warn EU rules on nationalisation and procurement could clash with Labour’s public-ownership agenda.