Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Economic Co-operation

Tuesday 23 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to reset UK-EU relationship damaged by Conservatives.
  • Second UK-EU summit planned to finalise food deal, youth mobility scheme, and emissions trading agreement.
  • Government understands arguments for single market benefits but has made manifesto commitment not to rejoin.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Gilmour Lib Dem Tiverton and Minehead
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from concerns about Brexit's economic impact, including reduced GDP by up to 8% according to recent studies. The MP mentions increased red tape affecting constituents' businesses.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing levels of economic co-operation with the EU, noting the consequences of Brexit such as red tape impacting farmers and small businesses in exporting goods and services.

Answer from Rachel Reeves

Working hard to reset relationship damaged by Conservatives; committed to second UK-EU summit to finalise food deal, youth mobility scheme, and emissions trading agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plan for customs union or address the specific ask of slashing costs through a new customs arrangement.

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Q2 Rachel Gilmour Lib Dem Tiverton and Minehead
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question follows discussions on the UK's economic ties with the EU, noting that Brexit has resulted in increased red tape for businesses and farmers.

Question

Today marks 10 years since Britain voted to leave the European Union. The consequence is a significant increase in bureaucracy affecting exports and market access. Will the Chancellor set out a path to an ambitious UK-EU reset including a new customs union to reduce costs for British businesses, open markets for farmers, and lower consumer prices?

Answer from Rachel Reeves

Working hard in Labour Government to reset relationship damaged by Conservatives; committed to second UK-EU summit to finalise food deal, youth mobility scheme, and emissions trading agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plan for customs union or address the ask regarding market access for farmers and lower consumer prices.

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Q3 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Brexit
Context

The question pertains to the possibility of rejoining the EU single market following discussions on resetting UK-EU relations. The MP references the disastrous nature of previous negotiations.

Question

Given what has been rightly said about the poor deal negotiated by Conservatives post-Brexit, when the next UK-EU summit happens, will it be time to discuss opportunities and benefits for key parts of our economy if we rejoin the single market?

Answer from Rachel Reeves

Understands arguments; made manifesto commitment not to rejoin single market or customs union, but within these limits, can do much to improve relations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to discussing opportunities for rejoining the single market at the summit.

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