Ed Davey calls for a UK-EU Customs Union

The Prime Minister has at least recognised the need to reset our relationship with the EU.

But so far, I’m afraid, that only seems to amount to saying “No” more politely than the Conservatives.

The UK must be far more positive, far more ambitious, and act with far more urgency.

That is why, today, I am calling on the Government to negotiate this year a brand-new deal with the EU.

Not just tinkering around the edges of the botched deal the Conservatives signed four years ago – But negotiating a better deal for Britain, that has at its heart a new UK-EU Customs Union, to come into force by twenty-thirty at the latest.

Forming a Customs Union with the EU is not only the single biggest thing we can do to turbocharge our economy in the medium and long term, But an agreement to work towards one will unlock big economic benefits for the UK now.

We can start tearing down those Conservative trade barriers this year…

Ripping up the expensive red tape that is holding back British firms – especially small businesses – from selling into Europe, costing our economy billions in lost exports.

This isn’t just a plan to deal with Trump, it’s a growth plan for our country – and how badly we need one of those.

And this new deal should include a reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme –

Giving our young people incredible new opportunities to live, work and travel across Europe, while also boosting British employers by helping them recruit the workers they need – especially in hospitality, construction, the creative industries and care, where they are desperately needed.

It would be a win-win for our country, and I still can’t understand why the Government continues to rule it out.