Rachel Reeves Urges UK to Rejoin the EU as Brexit's Damage Mounts
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Rachel Reeves has argued that the UK should move back toward EU membership, saying Brexit has made the country poorer, weaker, and less secure. She framed rejoining as a necessary corrective to years of self-inflicted economic and political harm.
Rachel Reeves has stated that the United Kingdom's future should involve rejoining the European Union, arguing that Brexit has rendered the country "poorer, weaker and less secure." In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, Reeves made clear that the case for Europe must be made with force and honesty if the public is to see the benefits of EU membership.
In an article for the Sunday Times, she set out her openly pro-European position, stressing that her Treasury colleagues were already well aware of her views. Reeves said, "I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union."
The upcoming EU summit is expected to focus on easing trading restrictions and establishing a youth mobility deal. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signaled support for a stable and long-term relationship with the EU. He has suggested that discussions about freedom of movement and rejoining the single market could appear in Labour's manifesto without requiring another referendum, although he said full rejoining would need a public vote.
Reeves stressed that those arguing for re-entry carry the burden of showing real, concrete benefits and of handling the next steps with care. At a recent cabinet meeting, Burnham warned ministers not to air their Brexit views publicly while also noting that the current Conservative deal with Brussels is more extreme than what was promised during the 2016 referendum. Some ministers have also raised concerns about what a revised deal could mean for migration.
Burnham set out a two-stage approach to reforming Brexit, beginning with changes consistent with Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which commits to staying outside the EU's customs union and single market. More substantial reforms would be delayed until after the next election, with Burnham calling for discussion of possible future steps.