- European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has ruled out Britain rejoining the EU or entering a customs union, stating there is no appetite for past debates.
- He will tell idealogues on both sides of the Brexit debate that “alignment is not a dirty word” as he seeks a relationship reset with “ruthless pragmatism”.
- Thomas-Symonds aims to secure new deals on food, drink and youth movement by the 10th anniversary of the EU referendum on 23 June.
- He dismissed calls from some Labour colleagues for a customs union, arguing the current UK/EU reset is already a “great deal” worth £9bn to the economy.
- The minister, one of Keir Starmer’s key negotiators, acknowledged challenges, including ensuring the UK's inclusion in the EU’s “made in Europe” arrangements to prevent British producers from being locked out.
IN FULL