Reeves Pushes for UK's EU Future Amidst Labour's Shifting Stance
Andy Burnham plans new deals with the EU as Rachel Reeves maintains her long-held belief that Britain's future lies within the bloc.
Sarah Connor
Rachel Reeves has consistently argued for the UK's future inside the European Union.
Rachel Reeves declared, "No-one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain's future lies in the European Union."
She acknowledged the ongoing debate, stating, "There is a debate to be had about our future relationship with Europe, and I welcome Andy Burnham’s leadership in facing up to this."
Rachel Reeves asserted, "Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure." She stressed the need for re-entry supporters to "make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right."
Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure.
This includes critical progress ahead of the upcoming UK-EU summit. Confirmation of an ambitious youth mobility scheme and entry into the SAFE defence partnership stand as key objectives.
A defense pact, agreed in May, already permits UK-based defense companies to participate in projects funded by the Security Action for Europe (Safe) scheme. Safe represents an EU-wide effort to rearm following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Ministers agreed last week that 80,000 young Europeans will come to the UK to work under a new 'youth mobility' deal. Burnham claims the period beyond the next summit would be to 'explore options' for the long-term relationship with the EU, with any 'fundamental change' left to the next parliament and 'for the public to decide'.
The prime minister warned ministers against advocating for specific options or opining on the likely outcome of renegotiating Britain's relationship with the EU. A YouGov poll of Londoners indicated that 67% of adults favor rejoining the European Union.
However, John Healey expressed skepticism about the UK rejoining the EU in his lifetime. He cast doubts on reinstating freedom of movement; Labour's 2024 election manifesto ruled out a return of free movement, single market membership, or a customs union.