Varadkar boosts talks on a customs union
The UK could be given a say on EU trade deals if it remains in the customs union, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said in comments that will boost hopes of a possible Brexit compromise.
Labour have called for the UK to stay in the customs union, but there is no precedent in EU law to grant its demand for a role in trade deals negotiated by Brussels.
However, the Taoiseach appeared to open the door to a potential compromise, saying on arrival at an emergency EU summit that the UK “could not be a silent partner” if it remained in a customs union.
“One thing I would like to be considered, and I know it is under consideration, is the possibility of a customs union being formed between the United Kingdom and the EU,” Mr Varadkar told reporters.
“Ultimately the European Union, we are the biggest trading bloc in the world. We trade more than China. We’ve a bigger population than the US. And, in a world of big blocs, it’s in the interests of the UK to be part of one of those blocs. It is also in our interests to have the UK in our bloc.
“I think we would be generous negotiating that, understanding that the UK could 0 Leo Varadkar may have shown a way to compromise
not be a silent partner in such an arrangement. It would have to have a say in decisions being made.”
Jeremy Corbyn has said Mr Varadkar’s comments show Labour’s alternative Brexit plan is “credible and deliverable”.
Posting on twitter, the Labour leader said the Taoiseach had “confirmed this evening that Labour’s alternative plan for a new customs union with a UK say on future trade deals is credible and deliverable.”
Talks between government ministers and Labour front benchers are set to resume today, with both sides saying they remain committed to the process despite little sign of a breakthrough. Yesterday a Labour source said: “They’re going to need to move off their red lines in a substantive way.”
With a Brexit extension secured, MPS are expected to be granted the rest of the Easter recess to go to their constituencies.