David Miliband has called for a "national consensus" about rejoining the European Union, responding to revelations that the UK government pitched the creation of a single market for goods with the EU to the bloc. The former foreign secretary, now president of the International Rescue Committee, argued that the UK needs a reset of its relations with the EU at "a much higher dosage" than currently planned.
Miliband's Remarks on BBC Radio 4
Speaking on the Today programme about a Guardian report, Miliband stated he is "absolutely convinced" that the UK's security and prosperity depend on an "institutionalised, deep and strong relationship with the rest of Europe." He criticised the current reset, valued at only £9 billion by 2040, noting that the UK economy is worth £3 trillion. "We need a much higher dosage in our reset," he emphasised.
Long-Term Goal of Rejoining
When pressed on rejoining the EU, Miliband said: "What we have to do is build a national consensus about our position with the European Union. I’m very happy with it as a long-term goal." He acknowledged that the previous deal is no longer available, as the EU is changing profoundly, with Ukraine playing an increasingly important role.
"The big issue for Brussels today is not Britain joining; it’s Ukraine joining," Miliband added, referring to discussions about associate membership and different tiers of membership. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a German proposal for associate membership as "unfair" because it would leave Kyiv without a voice inside the bloc.
Labour Leadership and Global Challenges
Regarding the Labour leadership challenge, where his brother Ed Miliband could play a role, David Miliband stressed the importance of government action over leadership. "Britain is in the eye of a global storm. The global order is being ripped up. Our economy is being transformed by new technology," he said. He highlighted the need to shift the welfare system from focusing on older people to investing in younger people, noting that a million people aged 16 to 24 are not in education or training.
Miliband argued that the country must debate how to spur wealth creation, distribute it fairly, and reinvent government. "If we spend all our time talking about who, not what, we’re going to miss the point," he warned.
Call for Open Conversations
Mike Galsworthy, chair of European Movement UK, said the government needs more open conversations with businesses and the public about the UK's relationship with Europe. He believes joining the single market would be "economically helpful" but would not resolve the question of where the UK is headed as a nation. "We want to be full team players. The conversation needs to feel democratic and open and constructive," he concluded.
