UK Seeks Common Goods Market with EU After Brexit

The British government has proposed creating a common market in goods with the European Union as part of efforts to rebuild relations after Brexit. Brussels has rejected the proposal, however, and instead suggested a customs union or deeper economic links through the European Economic Area, according to the Guardian.

Either arrangement would require Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon his opposition to free movement of workers, a position he has so far maintained. British officials say they have not definitively ruled out the common market proposal, which may be discussed at an EU-UK summit planned for July.

The Starmer government has in recent months increasingly highlighted the economic consequences of Brexit. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said in March that London was prepared to align some trade rules with the EU to reduce trade barriers.

Britain left the EU following a referendum in 2016.

(reuters, lud)