The UK Labour Party aims to enhance trade relations with the EU by revisiting certain Brexit provisions if elected in the 4 July election.
This is according to the party’s economic spokesperson Rachel Reeves, who spoke to the Financial Times in an interview published on Monday. Up until now, Labour has been shy to speak out over issues relating to the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
"We would look to improve our trade relationship with Europe and make trade deals around the world," says Reeves, who would become the UK's next finance minister if Labour wins the election.
She highlights that a Labour government would seek better alignment with EU rules in areas such as chemicals and financial services.
Brexit architects originally left the EU to allow the UK to “take back control”, particularly over its laws.
"I do not believe that anyone voted to leave the EU because they were unhappy about having the same regulations for chemicals across Europe," Reeves continues. "When my constituency voted to leave the EU, it was solely because of immigration," she claims.
Until now, the Labour party has been reluctant to discuss Brexit during the election campaign, a topic still highly sensitive in the country, but Labour leaders are emboldened by their comfortable lead in the polls, indicating a clear victory in the upcoming election.
However, Reeves speaks of marginal adjustments, repeatedly stating her centre-left party would not rejoin the single European market, the customs union, or authorise free movement if it comes to power in the UK.
In mid-April, Rishi Sunak’s conservative government dashed Brussels’ hopes by refusing to negotiate the reinstatement of mobility for young people between the EU and the UK, a casualty of the exit from the EU.
Improving relations with the EU is a concern for British businesses, which have faced increased costs and bureaucratic steps for exporting and importing products and services with the EU since the beginning of 2021.
