- Trades Union Congress ( TUC ) general secretary Paul Nowak has called on prime minister Andy Burnham to secure a new agreement with the European Union at an upcoming UK-EU summit to ease the economic impact of Brexit.
- Mr Nowak stated that the UK is "paying the price" for a "disastrous" Conservative Brexit deal that has knocked up to eight per cent off the country's gross domestic product.
- He argued that closer ties are essential to navigate global economic uncertainty, including potential tariffs under Donald Trump and the broader risks posed by the war in Ukraine.
- While rejecting a rerun of the referendum or rejoining the EU, the TUC chief suggested negotiating targeted sectoral deals, such as within pharmaceuticals, to support British industry.
- In response, a government spokesperson affirmed the UK's commitment to building an ambitious relationship with the EU to strengthen the economy and unlock growth.
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