‘The only idea around’: will Labour return to a customs union with the EU?

Cold economic reality has prompted informal government discussions about rejoining the customs union, a ‘big lever’ that could raise growth. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images/iStockPhoto

For much of the last week, Keir Starmer’s government has been suggesting that a closer relationship with Europe will be a more prominent part of his agenda in the future.

But it was a little-noted personnel change that might prove the most telling shift: Nick Thomas Symonds, the minister in charge of EU negotiations, was promoted to full cabinet rank.