Streeting Signals Deeper EU Trade Ties As Route To Growth, Prompting Fresh Produce Interest

The UK should pursue a deeper trading relationship with the European Union as the most effective way to stimulate economic growth, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said, raising fresh questions over the government’s longer-term approach to post-Brexit trade.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, Streeting described the UK’s current level of taxation as “uncomfortable” and argued that Britain had taken a “massive economic hit” since leaving the EU, particularly as a result of exiting the single market and customs union.

While stressing that any renewed partnership could not involve a return to freedom of movement, Streeting’s remarks appeared to leave the door open to closer customs arrangements — a position that goes further than the government’s current stance, which has ruled out re-joining a customs union while pursuing a limited “reset” with Brussels.

Streeting said the government’s existing efforts to improve relations with the EU were “a good start”, but suggested they may not go far enough to deliver the growth the UK economy needs.

“The best way for us to get more growth into our economy is a deeper trading relationship with the EU,” he said, pointing to the economic advantages that came with friction-free trade prior to Brexit. He added that the scale of taxation, pressure on businesses and rising national debt made growth-focused trade policy increasingly urgent.

Cabinet Debate And Economic Pressures

Streeting’s comments highlight growing debate within government over how far the UK should go in rebuilding its economic relationship with the EU. While he was clear he was not challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, sources suggest some senior figures would like to see ambitions for closer trade alignment pushed further in order to improve economic performance.

Any move towards deeper alignment would represent a significant shift in tone, particularly given Labour’s repeated insistence that Brexit red lines — including no return to freedom of movement — will remain in place.

Why This Matters For Fresh Produce

For the UK fresh produce sector, Streeting’s comments will be closely watched. The EU remains the UK’s largest trading partner for fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, with the majority of imports still originating from European growers and distributors.

Since Brexit, the sector has faced:

• increased border checks and paperwork

• higher compliance and certification costs

• delays linked to customs processes

• uncertainty around future SPS and border regimes

Industry leaders have consistently argued that reduced friction at the border — whether through streamlined customs arrangements, regulatory alignment or trusted trader schemes — would significantly improve efficiency, reduce waste and lower costs across the supply chain.

While Streeting did not explicitly call for a return to the customs union, his emphasis on its former economic benefits will resonate strongly with fresh produce businesses that experienced smoother logistics, faster transit times and lower administrative burdens before Brexit.

No Return To Free Movement

Crucially, Streeting underlined that any deeper economic partnership could not involve restoring freedom of movement, reaffirming a key political red line. This distinction may prove important for sectors like fresh produce, where labour availability remains a critical concern but trade friction has been an equally pressing challenge.

As discussions around the UK-EU “reset” continue, Streeting’s intervention adds momentum to calls for pragmatic trade solutions — a development that could have meaningful implications for growers, importers, wholesalers and retailers across the fresh produce industry.