Government ruling out customs scheme with EU is an “act of economic negligence”

EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Responding to the Government appearing to rule out the EU’s proposal of the UK joining a European customs area this morning, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“It is alarming that the Government is happy to negotiate with China but won’t even look at a better trading arrangement with our closest neighbours in Europe. This is an act of economic negligence.

“If the Government thinks it will get growth back in the economy by borrowing Boris Johnson’s playbook on European negotiations it is going to end up being sorely disappointed.

“It is time for a proper UK-EU customs arrangement so we can strengthen our negotiations with Donald Trump, cut the red tape on our businesses and grow the economy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič suggested that the UK could join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) as part of a reset of relations.
2. The interview and further info on the PEM are here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq5g48yx0dvo
3. Housing Minister Matt Pennycook said this morning that the Government is “not seeking to participate in [the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention] at the present time” when asked about this.
4. In a speech last week, Ed Davey called on the Government to negotiate a new UK-EU Customs Union. He called on ministers to negotiate a new deal with the EU this year, with the goal of forming a Customs Union by 2030 at the latest, arguing this will allow the UK to "deal with President Trump from a position of strength, not weakness."