Labour's Brexit Reset: Britain Could be Dragged Back Under EU's Rulebook, Admits Business Secretary

Britain could potentially find itself back under the EU's rulebook as part of Labour's Brexit reset, as admitted by the Business Secretary. Jonathan Reynolds disclosed that the UK is considering joining a vast customs trade scheme involving numerous countries spanning Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Open to Joining EU Trade Scheme

Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged that Britain might be pulled back under the EU's rulebook as part of Labour's Brexit reset. He also mentioned the possibility of a separate food and farming deal that would necessitate dynamic alignment with EU regulations, emphasizing that this would not cross Labour's red lines.

Positive Meeting with EU Trade Boss

During his meeting with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr. Reynolds described the encounter as "incredibly positive." He stated to the BBC that enhancing trade terms with the EU can be achieved without revisiting customs unions or single markets, all while pursuing closer trade relationships globally.

Tories React

Despite the positive outlook from Labour, Conservative Party members were quick to criticize the plan, labeling it as a betrayal of Brexit. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith expressed concerns over dynamic alignment potentially restricting the UK's autonomy to create its own laws and trade agreements, as well as linking the country to a slower-growing European economy.