There has recently been some confusion over the government’s position in regards to a customs union with the EU post-Brexit. Number 10 has now issued a statement saying that there will be no customs union once the UK leaves the EU.
Uncertainty on the UK’s position on a customs union became hazy when the prime minister, when questioned about it while on her visit to China, did not rule it out.
However, in light of today’s visit by the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, the government has clarified the doubts. There will be no customs union. The main reason: the UK wants to be able to make their own trade deals with other countries around the world.
Hilary Benn, Labour chair of the Brexit committee, has called this government’s particular policy “a profound mistake”. People are concerned that no customs union post-Brexit could greatly damage the UK economy and cause problems in Northern Ireland.
The government is yet to paint a clear picture of what they intend to accomplish during negotiations with the EU and what the UK will look like post-Brexit.
“We’re 19 months since the referendum… and we still don’t know what it is we want”, said Benn in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today. It is time for greater clarity on the subject on EU-UK relations after Brexit.
> Naomi Round
No Customs Union After Brexit
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