David Miliband, the former foreign secretary, has called for a “national consensus” on rejoining the European Union, following reports that the UK government proposed a single market for goods to the bloc. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Miliband said the UK needed a reset with the EU at “a much higher dosage” than currently planned.
Miliband, now president of the International Rescue Committee, argued that Britain’s security and prosperity depend on an “institutionalised, deep and strong relationship with the rest of Europe.” He criticised the government’s current reset efforts, noting they are worth only £9bn by 2040, compared to the UK’s £3tn economy.
While supporting rejoining as a long-term goal, Miliband acknowledged that the pre-2016 deal is no longer available. He highlighted the EU’s changing dynamics, with Ukraine’s potential membership becoming a central issue. “The big issue for Brussels today is not Britain joining; it’s Ukraine joining,” he said, referencing proposals for associate membership.
Mike Galsworthy, chair of European Movement UK, urged the government to hold open conversations with businesses and the public about the UK’s future relationship with Europe. He said joining the single market would be “economically helpful” but stressed the need for a democratic and constructive dialogue to give the public a sense of agency.
