UK PM Signals Willingness to Align More Closely with EU Single Market

(MENAFN) Britain's leader has signaled willingness to pursue significantly deeper integration with European Union economic structures, marking a potential turning point in post-Brexit relations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined his vision during an interview broadcast Sunday, indicating London may dramatically strengthen its Brussels connections beyond measures already implemented this year.

The Labour leader referenced agricultural and food standards harmonization as evidence of Britain's sovereignty-driven choices, declaring: "That's the sovereign decision that we have taken."

Starmer emphasized his administration's readiness to pursue additional alignment: "I think we should get closer, and if it's in our national interest to have even closer alignment with the single market, then we should consider that, we should go that far."

Reinforcing his position, he stated: "I think it's in our national interest to go further."

Customs Union Rejoining Appears Off Table
Despite previously championing customs union membership, Starmer now appears to have shifted his stance on that specific mechanism.

"What I would say about the customs union is that I argued for a customs union for many years with the EU, but a lot of water has now gone under the bridge," he explained.

While acknowledging pressure to reconsider, Starmer noted: "I do understand why people are saying 'wouldn't it be better to go to the customs union?'"

Yet he defended prioritizing single market alignment instead, citing recently finalized trade agreements as justification for the strategic pivot.

"I actually think that now we've done deals with the US which are in our national interest, now we've done deals with India which are in our national interest, we are better looking to the single market rather than the customs union for our further alignment," he said.

Prime Minister Dismisses Leadership Threat Speculation
Starmer has pushed back against mounting questions about his political future, asserting confidence he will remain in office through 2027.

The PM downplayed the significance of spring elections scheduled across Scotland, Wales and England, rejecting characterizations of the May contests as a "referendum" on his government's performance.

His comments follow a turbulent start to 2025, with his administration confronting economic headwinds, declining public approval, and persistent chatter about potential internal challenges to his authority.

"I was elected in 2024 with a five-year mandate to change the country, and that's what I intend to do, to be faithful to that mandate. And I will be judged, and I know I'll be judged, when we get to the next election, on whether I've delivered on the key things that matter most to people," Starmer declared.

Parliament reconvenes Monday following the holiday break, with Starmer scheduled to chair his inaugural 2026 Cabinet session Tuesday.

The ministerial gathering is expected to prioritize cost-of-living pressures and establish key governmental objectives for the coming months, as officials work to rebuild public confidence amid persistent economic volatility.

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