The head of Britain's trade union movement has publicly urged Sir Keir Starmer to reopen the contentious debate on rejoining the European Union's customs union, applying significant pressure on the Prime Minister's stated Brexit policy.
Union Leader Calls for 'Every Option' on EU Ties
In a direct challenge to Labour's election manifesto, Paul Nowak, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has declared that the government should explore "every possible" opportunity to deepen economic relations with Brussels. Speaking to the BBC, Nowak, who leads the UK's most senior trade union body representing over five million workers across 47 unions, argued for ruling nothing out, explicitly mentioning re-entering a customs union as a viable option.
"Absolutely the Government should rule nothing out," Nowak stated. "They should look at every option for our relationship with the European Union, up to and including a customs union." He emphasised that securing a strong deal with Europe is essential for key British industries like aerospace, automotive, and steel.
Cabinet Tensions and a 2026 Deadline
Nowak's intervention exacerbates existing tensions within the Labour government. The party's manifesto explicitly ruled out rejoining the customs union, a pledge Downing Street insists it remains committed to. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently suggested he would favour a return, citing the "enormous economic benefits" of the single market and customs union.
Further pressure comes from within Labour's own ranks, where 13 Labour MPs rebelled earlier this month to support a Liberal Democrat motion calling for negotiations on a bespoke customs union arrangement. Nowak has set a clear timeline, stating that 2026 must be the year the government tackles the cost of living crisis, for which a closer EU relationship is framed as crucial.
Political and Economic Consequences
The push for closer EU alignment presents a major political dilemma for Sir Keir Starmer. While the Conservatives and Reform UK vehemently oppose any move back towards Brussels, Labour relies on union support, both in membership and funding—unions contributed around £10 million to the party last year.
Economically, rejoining the customs union would likely require the UK to adopt the EU's external tariff rates, potentially complicating independent trade deals secured since Brexit. Nowak also linked the issue to global politics, arguing that a closer bond with the EU has become more vital since Donald Trump's return to the White House, whom he described as not a "reliable ally" to Britain.
Beyond trade, Nowak warned the government against trying to match Nigel Farage's Reform UK on immigration, stating the solution is not to "out-Reform Reform." His comments underscore the complex balancing act facing the Prime Minister as he navigates the enduring divides of the Brexit era while attempting to reset the UK's European relationship.
