Politics

Former Treasury Minister Reeves Urges UK to Rejoin EU

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has argued that the United Kingdom’s future should lie within the European Union, stating that Brexit has left the country poorer, weaker and less secure. In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, Reeves welcomed debate about the UK’s relationship with Europe. Labour’s 2024 election manifesto pledged to stay outside the EU and to make Brexit work, but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an honest discussion about the future relationship. The Conservatives have said they do not wish to revisit the Brexit debate, and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has said there is no mandate to pursue closer EU ties. Labour’s manifesto rules out a return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union. Burnham has said that any changes would require a mandate at a general election, which is next due by 2029. In a Sunday Times column, Reeves wrote, “No‑one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain’s future lies in the European Union.” She said supporters of rejoining the EU must “make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and get the next steps right.” Reeves added that at the forthcoming UK‑EU summit she hoped for confirmation of the youth mobility scheme she has been pushing for since she was in office, and for progress toward entry into the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme. SAFE, announced last March, is part of an EU‑wide effort to rearm after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. A defence pact agreed with the EU last May paved the way for UK‑based defence companies to be part of projects funded by SAFE. In her column, Reeves also defended her record in office, calling for governments to be “braver” in building big infrastructure projects and “clear‑eyed” about the risks and benefits that AI would bring to advanced economies.