Rachel Reeves says UK is 'happy to look at' joining EU tariff-free trade area
Rachel Reeves says UK is 'happy to look at' joining EU tariff-free trade area
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Rachel Reeves has said the UK is “absolutely happy” to look at joining a tariff-free trading scheme with Europe after the EU left the door open to British membership. She indicated that the Government would consider signing up to the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM), stating they are open to any "constructive ideas" as long as they adhere to the UK's "red lines" regarding not reverting back to EU membership.
Labour has already dismissed the idea of re-joining the customs union or single market but is committed to fostering a closer relationship with Brussels in pursuit of a "reset" in UK-EU ties. EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic recently hinted at the potential for Britain to become part of the PEM, which facilitates tariff-free commerce of goods across Europe and includes some North African and Levantine countries.
Engaging with Sunday broadcasters, Ms Reeves affirmed her willingness to investigate the possibilities of the UK engaging with the European trading scheme. Addressing the matter, on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, she noted: "It was really interesting to see Maros Sefcovic this week suggest the UK might be welcome in that pan-European and Mediterranean customs framework.
"We are absolutely happy to look at these different proposals because we know that the deal that the previous government secured is not working well enough. It’s not working well enough for small businesses trying to export, it’s not working well enough for larger businesses either.
