Starmer, who reiterated in Berlin on Wednesday that growth was the number one mission of my government, is not the first prime minister to find economic ambitions crimped by self-imposed red lines on Europe. Labour has ruled out rejoining the EU's single market and customs union, the steps that would have the biggest impact in improving trade with the EU.
Such policies amount to little more than tinkering around the edges of the relationship and would do little to address the continuing economic impacts of Brexit, concluded a recent report from the thinktank UK in a Changing Europe (UKice). Meanwhile, the Office for Budget Responsibility, backed by independent economists, has said its forecast for a 15% reduction in trade as a result of Brexit was broadly on track.
Academics at UKice expect that the veterinary agreement could boost UK agri-food exports by 22.5%, a lifeline for some small businesses but not decisive for the overall economy. Labour hopes it can deepen the economic relationship without joining the EU's structures.
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