Former Chancellor George Osborne has urged the United Kingdom to consider rejoining the European Union’s customs union as a key step toward economic recovery following Brexit. Speaking to the Independent, Osborne described the UK economy as having “fallen off a cliff” since leaving the EU and argued that closer trade ties with Europe could provide a much-needed boost.

Osborne, who was dismissed from his role by then-Prime Minister Theresa May after serving in David Cameron’s cabinet during the 2016 referendum, emphasized the economic challenges the country has faced in the years since Brexit. “Brexit has been a mess,” he said, noting that the UK economy is “clearly poorer than it would otherwise be.”

While acknowledging the political complexities of rejoining the customs union nearly a decade after the referendum, Osborne described it as a “quite simple thing to do” and highlighted that the decision to leave the customs union had not been a major focus during the original Brexit debate. He stated that departure from this arrangement has had “a devastating impact on trade.”

Osborne also addressed the earlier Brexit argument that leaving the customs union would enable the UK to pursue independent trade deals, particularly with the United States. He called those prospects “pretty fanciful now,” suggesting that the anticipated benefits have not materialized. Instead, he argued, reviving trade relations with the European continent and attracting investment should now be a priority for addressing the country’s growth issues.

Referring to Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Osborne expressed surprise that more politicians were not advocating for a return to the customs union, saying it would be a “pretty straightforward decision.” He distinguished rejoining the customs union from re-entering the single market by noting that the former does not require accepting the free movement of people—a significant and politically sensitive issue in the UK.

The proposal has generated discussion amid ongoing debates over Britain’s post-Brexit economic strategy and its relationship with the EU. Supporters of Brexit have often viewed leaving the customs union as essential for regaining full control over trade policy, while critics argue that current arrangements have hindered trade flows and economic growth.

Osborne’s remarks underscore continuing concerns about the impact of Brexit on the UK economy and reflect a growing conversation about how best to balance sovereignty with economic integration in the years ahead.