MPs’ report shows why single market and customs union must stay on negotiating table, says TUC

A report published today (Friday) by the House of Commons Committee for Exiting the EU provides strong reasons for the government to keep membership of the single market and customs union on the Brexit negotiating table, the TUC says.

The committee calls for a right to remain for EU migrants to be ring-fenced from the main negotiations, and warns that an open border in Ireland may not be compatible with leaving the single market and customs union.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“It is reckless and needless for the government to put peace, jobs and livelihoods in Northern Ireland at risk. The government was wrong to rule out single market and customs union membership and these options should be kept on the negotiating table.

“The government must give a unilateral guarantee of the right to remain for EU citizens who have made their lives in the UK. The ongoing uncertainty is an appalling way to treat people who make such a valuable contribution to our public services and businesses. It would create goodwill and clear the table for negotiations to focus on protecting jobs and rights at work.”