Labour Signals Push for Deeper Economic Links with Europe to Boost Growth

Britain should strengthen its trading relationship with Europe as part of a broader strategy to revive economic growth, senior Labour figure Wes Streeting has said, arguing that closer cooperation would benefit businesses and workers across the UK.

Speaking on the state of the economy, Streeting said the UK could no longer afford to treat Europe as a distant partner, given the scale of trade between the two sides. He stressed that improved market access and reduced barriers would help stimulate investment, raise productivity, and create more stable conditions for long-term growth.

Streeting did not call for a reversal of Brexit but suggested that pragmatic steps could be taken to make trade smoother, particularly for industries heavily reliant on European supply chains. He highlighted sectors such as manufacturing, life sciences, and food production as areas that would benefit from closer alignment.

The comments reflect a wider shift in tone within Labour, which has sought to present itself as pro-business while promising to rebuild strained relationships with key international partners. Streeting argued that rebuilding trust with European governments would be essential to securing better trade outcomes.

Critics from the government side warned that closer ties could risk undermining UK regulatory independence, while supporters said the focus should be on economic results rather than ideology. Business groups have repeatedly called for measures to reduce red tape and improve certainty for exporters.

As the UK continues to grapple with sluggish growth and cost-of-living pressures, Streeting’s remarks add momentum to the debate over how closely Britain should align with Europe in the years ahead, and whether improved trade relations could provide a much-needed economic lift.

Author: M.J