EU open-minded on customs union: Govt simply cannot afford to ignore

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to reports that the European Commissioner for finance has said that the European Union would be "open‑minded" about discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including a customs union, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP, said:

"This is a significant moment that the Government simply cannot afford to ignore. For too long, botched Brexit trade barriers have acted as a stranglehold on British businesses, fuelling the cost-of-living crisis and tying our exporters up in unnecessary red tape."

"Liberal Democrats have been clear that negotiating a new customs union with the EU is the fastest way to jumpstart the UK economy. Parliament voted for it. Government ministers are in favour. And now the EU has indicated it is open to it. It is high time that Keir Starmer stopped making excuses and finally started working on a proper new trade deal with our European partners."

ENDS

Notes to Editor: 

As reported here.