Reaction: PM prepares EU reset bill

According to reports, Keir Starmer is planning to lay a bill that could lead to closer regulatory ties with Brussels, particularly on agrifoods.

This is a welcome if long overdue development. Businesses are drowning in red tape, with many paying the price for the appalling Brexit deal left by the Conservatives.

But this news smacks of the timidity Labour have shown time and time again since coming into office.

Two days ago, the PM ruled out joining a customs union with the EU, saying it could jeopardise our recent deals with India and the US.

As I pointed out in a recent video, the value of those deals is tiny compared to the GDP hit of Brexit. In the same interview, the PM said pursuing a closer relationship with Europe could be in our “national interest”. He’s right about that, but he’s wrong on how we should go about rebuilding ties.

The Liberal Democrats agree with the Justice Secretary and the Health Secretary that a customs union is the way forward. It would boost growth, put money into people’s pockets and help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The Liberal Democrats stand ready to work with Labour MPs and others across parliament to force the Government to change course.