UK and European unions call for “common sense” reset with EU amid global uncertainty 

The TUC and ETUC have today (Tuesday) joined forces to call for a “common sense” reset with the EU, ten years after the Brexit referendum vote. 

The British and European union bodies say the UK government “must honour the referendum vote”, while showing ambition in resetting our relationship with the EU even further so that it works for working people. 

The Conservatives’ botched Brexit agreement hammered living standards and the economy, according to the union bodies. 

The TUC says the government has already started the “hard yards” on delivering a closer relationship with the EU. But ahead of the UK-EU summit next month, the British and EU unions are calling for the UK government to be bold and deliver more sector-specific agreements to reduce trade barriers with the EU.

The TUC says that the US president has become increasingly unreliable and unpredictable – having slapped tariffs on British industry, and threatened more tariffs – further underlining the case for a stronger relationship with our closest neighbours.

“Jobs first” deals 

The TUC and ETUC are calling for an ambitious reset with the EU – and urging the UK government and EU to agree “jobs first” sectoral deals, prioritising those in pharmaceuticals and chemicals. 

Reducing trade barriers and border frictions is essential to protect jobs and maintain integrated supply chains, according to the union bodies. 

Currently UK exporters have to prove that their goods meet EU standards, requiring checks, paperwork and other administrative burdens which are costly, cause delays at the border, and can put wages and jobs at risk. 

The TUC says this will help “rip off the red tape” which is threatening British firms and British jobs, and holding back economic growth.

Similar to the agreement the UK is currently negotiating with the EU on food standards, the UK government could pursue agreements to align standards with the EU in other sectors, starting with chemicals and pharmaceuticals. 

The TUC says any deepening of economic relations must protect public ownership of rail and other public services in Britain. 

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 

“The case for a closer relationship with the EU is undeniable - especially in a volatile global economy, with an unpredictable US president who has slapped arbitrary tariffs on Britain and threatened more.

“It’s plain common sense. Just look at the damage to our economy and living standards ten years on from the referendum result – the Conservatives’ botched Brexit agreement set workers and business back at home and abroad.  

“That’s why it’s time for an ambitious approach that honours the referendum result while giving us a stronger trading relationship with our closest neighbours.