Germany’s top diplomat in London has thrown down the gauntlet—it’s time for Britain to rethink its trade ties with the EU.
Speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce, ambassador Miguel Berger suggested the UK could follow Turkey’s lead and strike a deal to rejoin the EU customs union. But will Westminster listen?
🚢 ‘Turkey does it, so why not Britain?’
Berger pointed to Turkey’s two-decade-long customs union with the EU as a workable model for the UK. He argued that such a deal could slash red tape, boost trade, and improve business ties between Britain and Europe.
“That would obviously also be a way to move forward, which would ease many, many things in the trade relationship.”
He also noted that while the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is one of the most advanced in the world, it remains underused.
💼 Labour stays firm on Brexit stance
Despite growing calls for closer EU ties, the Labour government isn’t budging.
While it wants to “reset” UK-EU relations, it has made one thing clear:
“There will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement.”
This message was spelled out in Labour’s manifesto last year and reaffirmed in recent statements.
📅 What happens next?
The UK and EU will hold their first summit on 19 May.
Berger said Germany is hoping for solid proposals on how Britain plans to repair relations with Europe.
But with Labour standing firm on Brexit, will anything really change?
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