Sir Keir Starmer has signed up to fortnightly Brexit reset talks with the European Union, with officials in Brussels "open-minded" to closer ties with Britain.
Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for Finance, said member states were "ready to engage" with officials in London should the Prime Minister wish to explore the move.
A proposed customs union would stop tariffs or taxes on some or all goods between the UK and mainland Europe.
When asked whether the EU would welcome talks on the UK returning to the trade bloc, Valdis Dombrovskis told the BBC: "I cannot jump to conclusions, but I can say that we are ready to engage with an open mind and seek those areas of cooperation."
However, Mr Dombrovskis said it was unlikely Britain would return to the single market, stressing access would require the UK accepting Freedom of Movement.
After a high-level meeting on Monday with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Mr Dombrovskis said the UK and EU could remove "most" food checks.
He was also open to the possibility of the UK joining the EU's £130billion defence loans scheme. Talks on an agreement broke down last year after the EU demanded the UK pay a multi-billion euro entry fee.
Ms Reeves had previously spoken at an event in which Mr Dombrovskis was present, saying stronger ties between the UK and EU were increasingly important.
"We are sliding towards a world where the rules are less clear," Ms Reeves said.
Labour's election manifesto ruled out signing up to the existing EU customs union.
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'Rachel Thieves' beer tap installed by pub landlord in protest over tax hikes: 'Prices may go up at any point!'
A Hertfordshire pub landlord has installed a fake beer tap behind his bar to protest what he described as damaging tax policies introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which he believes are hitting the hospitality industry.
Chris Ghazarian, who runs The Green Dragon in the village of Flaunden in Hertfordshire, created the spoof pump labelled “Rachel Thieves” as a visual statement highlighting rising costs faced by pubs.
The 36‑year‑old said the fictional drink was intended to reflect the impact of tax increases on businesses across the sector.
He told customers if the pint existed it would be very bitter, not very pleasant, and the most expensive drink available in the pub.
'The case for a public inquiry is now overwhelming,' says Lib Dem Leader after Lord Mandelson email leaks
Ed Davey has called for a public inquiry after accusations Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein.
The latest release of three million documents of the Epstein files appeared to show emails between Lord Mandelson and the convicted sex offender, in which the Labour peer seemingly leaks secret government conversations.
The scandal led to Sir Keir Starmer calling for Lord Mandelson to lose his peerage and his position in the House of Lords - something the Prime Minster does not have the power to do.
"The Prime Minister has asked for this to be urgently looked at and the Prime Minister believes that Peter Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords," a No10 official spokesman said yesterday.
"However, the Prime Minister does not have the power to remove [his peerage]."
Now, Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed, has backed the PM's calls for a public inquiry.
He told the BBC: "I certainly support a police investigation. It looks like crime has been committed, misconduct in public office, which is very serious, it impacts everyone’s lives if someone at the very top of government is betraying our country.
"So, [it’s] very serious. Definitely a police investigation. Clearly, Lord Mandelson should be stripped of his peerage, but I think we need to think even more deeply about this. I think the case for a public inquiry into national security, and indeed the British victims of Jeffrey Epstein, has now become a requirement.
"This is so serious in the impact it has on how we govern ourselves, as well as, of course, the victims, that I think the case for a public inquiry is now overwhelming."
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Nigel Farage unveils plan to slash pint prices in bid to save Britain's pubs
Nigel Farage is to unveil a £3billion tax relief package designed to rescue Britain's struggling pub industry.
The Reform UK leader's five-point plan, set to be announced on Tuesday, proposes slashing beer duty by ten per cent from its current rate of 49p.
Should publicans pass these savings on to their customers, patrons could see around 5p knocked off the cost of their pint.
The ambitious rescue scheme would begin at £2.29billion in its inaugural year, before rising to £2.9billion by year four.
On the agenda today
Good morning, and welcome to the GB News live politics blog for today, Tuesday, February 3. Here's a quick run-down of what we can expect to be seeing during the day.
9.30am - Keir Starmer assembles his cabinet, and will be undoubtedly looking to focus on the cost-of-living crisis, as has been the focus of cabinet meetings so far this year.
2.00pm - Nigel Farage expected to hold a press conference for Reform. Mr Farage will be joined by Lee Anderson, and they are expected to unveil a five-point plan to "save Britain’s pubs," including a flurry of tax cuts.
2.30pm - In the House of Lords, introductions from Lib Dem peer Sarah Teather and non-affiliated peer Russell Hobby will be followed by questions on the the two-child benefit cap and the decision not to allow Shamima Begum to return to the UK.
Expect a lot of focus on Lord Mandelson, after Sir Keir set out his stall on the scandal yesterday. Opposition parties could push for quicker action to get him out of the House of Lords
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