Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the United Kingdom should move toward closer alignment with EU markets “if it is in our national interest,” according to BBC reports.
Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg of the BBC, Starmer said it would be “better to look toward the single market rather than a customs union for our further alignment,” aiming to protect trade agreements with India and the United States.
However, he ruled out revising manifesto commitments to rejoin the single market or customs union with the EU, or to end freedom of movement.
Political analysts say Starmer’s comments are the clearest indication yet that he seeks a closer relationship with Europe across a broader range of areas.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has criticized the Prime Minister, claiming he is using Brexit as a justification for the UK’s economic difficulties.
