Former Chancellor George Osborne has called for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union’s customs union as a means to revive the country’s faltering economy following Brexit. Speaking on September 14, 2026, Osborne described the economic situation as having "fallen off a cliff" since the UK left the EU, attributing significant damage to the decision to exit the bloc.

Osborne, who served in cabinet under former Prime Minister David Cameron and was dismissed by Theresa May after the 2016 referendum, argued that rebuilding closer trade links with the EU is essential for economic recovery. He criticized the Brexit process, stating that the consequences had been underestimated and that the UK was now economically weaker than it would have been otherwise.

Highlighting the customs union specifically, Osborne said rejoining it would be "a quite simple thing to do" and noted it was a component that had not been widely discussed during the Brexit campaign. He suggested leaving the customs union had "a devastating impact on trade," and that the supposed benefits promised by pro-Brexit advocates, such as striking lucrative deals with the United States, had yet to materialize.

Osborne pointed out that reversing the trade decline with the European continent is critical for stimulating growth and attracting investment. He also noted that rejoining the customs union would not require the UK to accept the free movement of people, distinguishing it from the single market, and potentially making it a more politically feasible option.

Despite acknowledging that reestablishing closer ties with the EU would be challenging a decade after the referendum, Osborne emphasized the potential economic benefits. He urged Labour figures like Andy Burnham, who is currently the mayor of Greater Manchester, to consider the customs union as a pragmatic step forward in addressing the UK’s ongoing growth challenges.

The proposal reflects ongoing debates within UK politics over the future relationship with the EU, as policymakers grapple with the economic ramifications of Brexit and explore strategies to foster trade and investment.