Overview
- No 10 said the government will not rejoin the EU customs union, reiterating the manifesto commitment to maintain the party’s red lines even as it seeks a warmer relationship with Brussels.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the Observer the best route to growth is a deeper trading relationship with the EU and signalled openness to a customs union while ruling out the single market and freedom of movement.
- Government sources and Labour figures framed Streeting’s remarks as early leadership positioning, though he insisted he supports the prime minister and downplayed any ambition to run.
- YouGov polling reported by The Times found about 80% of Labour voters back negotiating a customs union and 73% support talks to rejoin the EU, following a Commons vote where 13 Labour MPs supported a pro–customs union motion.
- Commentary and experts warned a shift would be slow and costly, potentially clashing with post‑Brexit trade deals and prompting EU demands on mobility or contributions that would curtail UK autonomy.