Sir Keir Starmer is facing calls for the creation of a new UK-EU customs union in a bid to boost economic growth.
The Liberal Democrats are appealing to Labour backbenchers to support the movement, which the party is expected to bring to Parliament through a 10-minute rule motion on Tuesday. If another MP chooses to speak against the motion a debate can be triggered, but this is not guaranteed.
Ahead of the motion, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey wrote to the prime minister accusing the government of so far “failing to take the steps necessary to begin, properly, the work of undoing the damage” of the deal secured under the Tories.
Last week, Sir Keir insisted Labour would stick to its manifesto, which included promises to strengthen the UK’s relationship with Brussels without rejoining the customs union, single market or freedom of movement.
“The position that we are taking has been clearly set out in the manifesto and then we’ve been following it,” he said.
Tory shadow ministers hit out at Sir Ed, saying the the Lib Dems would “never stop trying to reopen the debates of the past”.
Sir Keir Starmer faces calls to create new EU-UK customs union
The prime minister will face calls in Parliament today to create a new EU-UK customs union.
The movement, which will be brought by the Liberal Democrat’s Europe spokesman Al Pinkerton, is expected to be made as a 10-minute rule motion, which allows MPs to make a case for a new law in a speech to the Commons.
Another MP can then choose to speak against the motion, forcing it to a vote, though this is not guaranteed.
Nicole Wootton-Cane9 December 2025 08:41