Thursday, January 16, 2025 Ed Davey tiptoes towards 'Rejoin' Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has finally made a move towards advocating a closer relationship with the EU.   Many in his party have been frustrated at his unwillingness to position the party as the unequivocal voice of those who want to rejoin the EU, but in a speech on Thursday, Davey took a step in that direction by calling on the government to negotiate a customs union with the EU.    A customs union is not as simple as some people might assume. It is not possible simply to "rejoin" the EU's customs union, because it is integral to membership of the EU. Britain would have to negotiate a separate deal to abolish customs checks between the EU and the UK, similar to the customs union between the EU and Turkey.    It could make EU-UK trade a bit easier, but it couldn't be done quickly. Davey's target is 2030, which makes the idea that it would "Trump-proof" the British economy redundant, because Donald Trump's term ends in 2029.  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question Which drummer left Rory Storm and the Hurricanes in 1962 to join another band that went on to greater success? Answer at the bottom of today's email  Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW Daily briefing Labour bows to pressure to announce new grooming gang inquiries Home secretary announces five local grooming gang inquiries and a 'rapid national review' to consider causes of crime Keir Starmer in Kyiv considers UK troops in Ukraine in peacekeeper role On his first trip to Kyiv as prime minister, Starmer discussed possible postwar arrangements Ed Davey urges Keir Starmer to join EU customs union to defend against Trump tariffs Liberal Democrat leader says a deal would help the UK to negotiate with Donald Trump 'from a position of strength' What else you need to know today Kemi Badenoch has made a speech admitting mistakes in the handling of Brexit and net zero Frank Sharry: 'I advised Kamala Harris on immigration – here's what Labour must learn'  James Moore says Angela Rayner's employment reforms are going too far, too fast The Independent View The NHS must treat its 'corridor care' crisis as a wake-up call Politics explained Keir Starmer's 100-year pledge to Ukraine, just days before Donald Trump enters office Millie Cooke reports on the prime minister's visit to Kyiv as questions are asked over president-elect's threat to pull the plug on Ukraine...    Read more MOST COMMENTED Nigel Farage and Liz Truss in plot to derail Chagos Islands deal at the last minute A look back at the week in Westminster Rachel Reeves came out fighting The chancellor got the better of Mel Stride, her shadow, when he tried to respond to her statement in the Commons on Tuesday – he had no alternative policies to propose.    Keir Starmer bolstered her at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, putting right his mistake in answer to journalists' questions on Monday, when he failed to say that she would be chancellor by the time of the next election. He said: "The chancellor will be in place for many, many years to come." This turned into a comedy routine in the briefing by Kemi Badenoch's spokesperson after PMQs, when journalists were told first that Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, would be in post for the whole of this parliament, and then that all shadow cabinet members would remain in place until the election – an unexpected pledge of "no reshuffles".  But Starmer had the best line at PMQs: "I got a letter this week from a Tory voter in a Labour seat." He went on: "It was Liz Truss." He was referring to the "cease and desist" letter written by her lawyers. "She was saying that claiming she crashed the economy was damaging her reputation. It was actually crashing the economy that damaged her reputation." Liz Truss is going to be a Labour propaganda gift for many years to come.  QUOTATION OF THE DAY "We are with you not just today or tomorrow, for this year or the next, but for a hundred years, long after this terrible war is over and Ukraine is free and thriving once again"   Keir Starmer in Kyiv Quiz answer: Ringo Starr The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy