No 10 says customs union still ‘red line’ after EU suggests bloc ‘open’ to talks

Downing Street has rejected the prospect of rejoining an EU customs union after an official from the bloc said Brussels would have an “open mind” to discussing it.

European commissioner for finance Valdis Dombrovskis said the bloc was “ready to engage” if the UK wanted to explore such a move.

He and European commissioner Maros Sefcovic met EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and Chancellor Rachel Reeves in London on Monday.

Asked afterwards whether Brussels would welcome talks on Britain rejoining the customs union, Mr Dombrovskis told the BBC: “I cannot jump to conclusions, but I can say that we are ready to engage with an open mind and seek those areas of co-operation.”

But No 10 sought to pour cold water on the idea, saying Sir Keir Starmer’s government would be sticking to its red lines as it deepens ties with the EU.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will not be rejoining the customs union, the single market, or returning to freedom of movement.

“Those are our red lines as per the government’s manifesto.

“We do want a closer economic partnership with the EU, but rejoining the customs union would unpick important trade agreements we’ve reached, including our deals with the US and India.”

A customs union is understood to have not been among the topics of discussion during Monday’s talks.

By the time of the next joint summit later this year, the UK and EU want to finalise agreements on a youth mobility scheme as well as establishing a common sanitary and phytosanitary area and on linking their emissions trading systems.