'The only idea around': will Labour return to a customs union with the EU?

Labour's Plan B: Reconsidering a Customs Union with the EU Amid Growing Economic Pressure

In recent weeks, Keir Starmer's government has been exploring the possibility of rejoining the customs union with the EU. The idea may seem far-fetched, given the Labour leader's long-standing stance against a customs union prior to his leadership. However, in light of the UK's economic woes, the concept is being revisited as a potential solution to boost growth.

While Starmer has not explicitly stated that he intends to pursue a customs union, sources close to the prime minister have hinted at its possibility. The Labour leader's reluctance to take on this idea may be due to his commitment to his party's red lines, but some ministers believe that it is time to re-examine their stance.

In private discussions across Westminster, pro-European Labour ministers are debating the economic benefits and timing of any potential move. Some have argued that reversing Brexit would be a logical step for Labour at the next election, while others have expressed concerns about breaking manifesto promises.

However, even if Starmer were to reconsider his position on a customs union, there are significant hurdles to overcome. The UK's independence in trade policy and the prospect of giving up tariffs set by the EU would need to be addressed. Furthermore, the European Union's internal politics could pose a challenge, with some countries already showing signs of resistance.

The Labour Party's stance on this issue is complex, reflecting the deep divisions within the party during the Brexit debate. While Starmer has not yet committed to pursuing a customs union, the possibility remains on the table as policymakers and economists search for solutions to revitalize the UK economy.

I mean, who wouldn't wanna go back to being part of the EU's economic club? It's like they're trying to make up for lost time or something . I'm all for a growth boost, but do we really need to revisit old positions on customs unions? I guess it's just one of those "re-evaluate our stance" moments... like, if you've got it, flaunt it . But seriously, this is all about reviving the UK economy and finding a middle ground for Labour. We'll see how that plays out .

I think it's kinda crazy that Labour is even considering going back on their no-customs-union stance . I mean, they've been saying one thing for years and now suddenly it's like "wait, maybe we were wrong?" . It's not just about the economic benefits, there are also politics involved - what will the Brexit voters think? And let's not forget about their own party members who might be all like "no way, we broke our promises!" . I guess only time'll tell if Keir Starmer actually wants to give this a shot .

so the lab party is actually considering a customs union again? that's weird considering starmer was anti it before. i guess the econ woes are forcing them to think outside their manifesto promises . what do u think about this move tho? would it be a win or a lose for labor? and honestly, how much of a difference would it make in the economy?

omg I'm surprised to see labour reconsidering a customs union with EU it's like they're saying Brexit didn't work out so well after all...anyway I think this is a good move if it means boosting growth and helping people feel more secure about their jobs the thing is though, can you blame them for being hesitant? rejoining a customs union would mean breaking some promises to voters and that's always a sticky situation

I think its worth considering a customs union with the EU, especially with the economic situation in the UK right now . Its been a while since Labour leader Keir Starmer mentioned this idea, and some of his ministers are actually kinda on board with it ! If its possible to boost growth and help people out after Brexit... why not explore that option? Ofc, there are pros and cons, but the UK economy could really use a helping hand . Ill be keeping an eye on this one

I'm not surprised they're considering this again... it's been pretty clear that Labour isn't exactly swimming in economic ideas . Rejoining the customs union might be a temporary fix, but it's still a huge leap of faith for Starmer and his team. Who knows, maybe they'll get lucky and somehow make Brexit work out better than we thought ... ain't gonna happen. The EU's internal politics are always a wild card, so that's definitely something to watch out for. One thing's for sure, it's about time someone in Westminster thought outside the box (or in this case, the Brexit box)

I think rejoining the EU's customs union is worth looking at . Our economy's been struggling lately and anything that could boost growth should be considered . It's not like Labour hasn't changed their stance on Brexit before, so it's not like they're completely off base here . Plus, some people in the party are actually pro-EU, so it's not like it's a 100% united front . That being said, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider ...

omg can u imagineLabour going back on their Brexit stance lol just think about it we'd be like the only country in Europe that's still got a hard border with Ireland...anyway i think its good they're considering alternatives cuz our economy is literally tanking rn and Starmer's gotta do something to turn things around maybe this customs union thing could be a way out? idk but at least we'd still have some trade with the EU so that's somethin

omg i just got my taxes done and now im worried about the uk's economy lol what's going on with brexit again? is it true that labour is considering a customs union tho? i mean i kinda get why they'd wanna do this but like wouldn't that just be breaking their promises to their party members? idk maybe im just not smart enough to understand all the economic stuff

omg i feel like keir starmer is being super stressed about this he's gotta navigate his party's differences while trying to save the uk's economy at the same time it's not an easy task, but i think it shows how much he cares about people's lives and wants what's best for them maybe he'll find a way to make a customs union work, who knows?

I think it's kinda crazy that Labour's been like "we're never joining a customs union again" just a few years ago ... now they're considering it because of economic pressure? I get why they might be thinking about it, but it's gonna be tough to make it work. They gotta convince the EU that they can keep trade deals separate and not mess up their tariffs

I think Starmer's gotta navigate this carefully - his party's got a lot of different factions on Brexit and trade policy... some want in, others want out . It's like trying to juggle a million balls at once . But hey, if it means boosting growth for the UK, I'm all for exploring options

I feel like the UK's situation with its economy is kinda like when you're trying to find your way out of a dead-end street - there are so many twists and turns that lead you to question what's truly important. Labour's Plan B, a customs union with the EU, might be just what they need to get back on track . But at the same time, it raises questions about identity and where they stand in the world - is it okay to change course, or do they have to stick to their guns?

It's also making me think about how even when we're trying to solve one problem, we might end up creating another . So, before they make any big decisions, they need to weigh all the pros and cons and consider what would be best for the country in the long run .

I'm kinda surprised that Labour's revisiting the idea of a customs union with the EU . I mean, it's like they're saying "you know what, we were wrong about Brexit" but not really doing anything about it . It's all well and good to consider economic pressure, but how are they gonna make this work? The EU is not exactly known for being super flexible when it comes to trade policies . And let's be real, if Starmer starts talking about reversing Brexit again, that's just gonna give the Tories ammo to attack him on the left flank . But at the same time, I think Labour needs to start thinking outside the box and exploring all options. Maybe this customs union thing isn't so crazy after all .

I guess if Keir Starmer's Labour Party really wants to 'unionize' with the EU, they'll have to 'customs-ize' their thinking ... just kidding! But seriously, I think this customs union thing is like that one relative who always shows up uninvited – it's not exactly what you wanted, but you need someone to help sort out your economic mess. If Starmer's party is willing to rethink their stance, maybe it's time for them to ' Brexit' their old ways and try something new

omg u wont believe wat hes been goin thru in labur they re considrin makin a customs union wit eu again its crazy cuz starmer used 2 b super anti-customs union but now hes got no choice coz uk economy is goin down da drain i feel like he's stuck between a rock n an eurro some peeps in labur r say they shd just reverse brexit n get back into eu market, but others r all about breakin manifesto promisess anywayz its def a wild card situation rn

I gotta say, if Labour's thinkin' of goin' back on their customs union stance now, it's probably 'cause they're seein' the writing on the wall - the UK's economic situation ain't gettin' any better. I mean, who wouldn't wanna stick with a tried-and-tested system that lets 'em trade with the EU and other countries easily? But at the same time, it's gotta be tough for Starmer to break free from their party's manifesto promises. Like, you can't just u-turn on somethin' like that without expectin' some backlash from your own members... or voters.

But here's the thing - if they do decide to go down this road, it's gotta be a proper plan, not just some half-baked idea thrown together. They need to think about how they're gonna make it work with the EU and other countries, 'cause that's the real challenge here. And I'm not countin' on Starmer makin' any rash decisions without gettin' all his ducks in a row first...

I'm low-key surprised they're even considering this . I mean, Labour's always been pro-EU, so it doesn't seem like a huge stretch. Plus, with the economy being a major issue right now, they gotta be open to all options . It's also kinda funny that Starmer's team is having internal debates about it - sounds like they're not entirely sure what they want themselves . The EU's internal politics are always a wild card though, so let's just say I'm keeping an eye on this one...

I gotta say, if Labour is seriously considering going back on their no-customs-union stance... it's like they're saying "we told you so" to Boris about Brexit not working out . On a serious note tho, if this happens, the EU might be all over it since they've been trying to maintain some semblance of unity among member states lately . Plus, Starmer's gotta weigh the pros and cons of making this move - does he risk alienating his own party or giving people hope for an economic turnaround?

omg have u seen this news about labour's plan b like i get it they wanna boost growth but rejoining the customs union with the eu? its like a big 180 starmer was all anti-customs union in the past & now hes having second thoughts, which is def sus... some ppl think its a good idea tho, esp since brexit hasnt worked out so well for us but there are so many hurdles to jump over - trade policy, tariffs, EU internal politics lol its like they need to do their research & figure it out before making any moves