SOMERSET MP Sarah Dyke has called on the government to form a “new and bespoke customs union” with the EU in a bid to boost UK farming – and blasted the “botched” Brexit deal struck by the Conservative party.
Ms Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) suggested the move during a Parliamentary debate on the UK’s trading relationship with the EU this week.
“The last Conservative Government’s botched deal with Europe has strangled trade and investment in British farming,” she said. “Rural communities and farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton have been badly let down.”
She asked whether the government “should put the UK into a position of strength new and bespoke customs union with the EU that will unleash the potential of British farming”.
The call came as the Labour Government said negotiations over a ‘reset’ in the relationship between the UK and the EU post-Brexit were continuing.
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A summit is set to take place in London on May 19, with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, visiting Downing Street last week as preparations continue.
Following their meeting, a government spokesperson said: “Discussing the ongoing negotiations to strengthen the UK-EU partnership, they both agreed that good progress had been made.
“They asked their teams to continue their important work in the coming weeks, with the aim of delivering as ambitious a package as possible at the first UK-EU summit next month.”
Ms Dyke will be hoping farming is on the agenda, including a potential ‘bespoke customs union’.
Ahead of the gathering, both sides have expressed a renewed interest in uniting on efforts regarding defence and security, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while a potential ‘youth visa’ deal could also be among topics discussed, supported by the Lib Dems and the Green Party, but opposed by the Conservatives and Reform.
The Conservative Govt’s botched deal with Europe strangled trade & investment in British farming. Rural communities & farmers in Glastonbury & Somerton have been badly let down. Last week, I urged the Govt to consider a bespoke customs union with the EU to unleash the potential of British farming.
— Sarah Dyke MP 🔶 (@sarahdykeld.bsky.social) 28 April 2025 at 11:49
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