UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool that constitutional questions regarding the country’s relationship with the European Union create uncertainty for business. In his view, the government should focus on improving trade relations with Brussels rather than on the issue of rejoining the bloc.
Focus on trade
As Politico Europe reports, Reynolds said that a pragmatic approach to trade could bring more benefits to British citizens and companies. He stressed that, instead of constitutional questions, opportunities to improve trade relations should be considered.
The minister also supported the current course of the British government in relations with the European Union. He said that seeking to return to the customs union would be inappropriate because, according to him, it would not add significant benefits to the existing arrangements but would require broad regulatory alignment.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Debate on returning to the EU
Reynolds’ statement came several days after former Prime Minister Tony Blair published a document calling for the United Kingdom to return to a “reformed” EU within the next decade. Earlier this month, Burnham, speaking to journalists in New York, did not rule out including a promise to rejoin the EU in Labour’s next election manifesto.
Asked whether Britain should rejoin the EU during his lifetime, Reynolds said he could not give an answer because of uncertainty over Europe’s future and the political situation in Germany and France. He also added that the United Kingdom regulates certain sectors better, including the technology sector.
Read us on
Download our app
