The head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has emphasized the need for the UK to strengthen its connections with Europe due to concerns about the reliability of US President Donald Trump as a partner. Paul Nowak, speaking almost ten years after the EU referendum, highlighted a shift in attitudes among both Leave and Remain supporters towards resolving the problematic Brexit agreement. Nowak suggested considering a UK-EU customs union to facilitate tariff-free trade while adhering to common standards for traded goods.
These remarks followed a divergence in opinion between Wes Streeting and Keir Starmer, with Streeting expressing support for a customs union deal with the EU. Nowak stressed the importance of prioritizing a productive working relationship with the EU, particularly in light of the uncertainties arising from the Trump administration’s policies. He underscored the necessity of maintaining close ties with European partners, citing the significance of trade relations for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and chemicals.
Nowak dismissed the lingering Brexit divisions, emphasizing the practicality of pursuing a closer trading partnership. He highlighted the imperative of rectifying the flawed Brexit deal left by the Tories to secure the best possible outcome for the country’s workforce. The TUC leader emphasized that the focus should be on enhancing the economic, political, and national security aspects of the UK’s relationship with Europe, given Trump’s unreliability as a partner. Collaboration with Europe on economic matters and issues like Ukraine was deemed crucial by Nowak to safeguard national interests effectively.