Sir Sadiq Khan has provoked anger from Brexit supporters with his latest call for the UK to rejoin the European Union. The Labour Mayor of London said Brexit has been “catastrophic” for Britain and argued that returning to Brussels is essential amid global challenges including Russia's war in Ukraine and questions over US President Donald Trump's commitment to NATO.
In a letter to Minister for European Relations Hamish Falconer, Sir Sadiq wrote: “Brexit is, I believe, the greatest act of economic and geopolitical self-harm in our country’s history.”
Mayor's letter outlines Brexit concerns
Sir Sadiq, a long-time Remainer, said evidence of Brexit's damaging impact has grown since the UK voted to leave. He said: “Since we voted to leave the EU, the evidence for Brexit’s catastrophic consequences for London and the UK has continued to mount.”
He highlighted international pressures, stating: “As Putin’s illegal and unconscionable invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth winter, President Trump’s unsettling ambivalence towards European security can no longer be ignored.”
“His fondness for unilateralism has shaken the foundations of the transatlantic alliance, making the US an increasingly unpredictable and unreliable ally,” he added.
Political backlash from Tory figures
Tory Brexiteer Susan Hall criticised the Mayor's intervention. She said: “It is so typical of socialists that when they don't like the outcome of a vote, they just want to re-run it until they get their result.”
She added: “The public have repeatedly backed Brexit and pro-Brexit Governments, and the issue was resolved until Andy Burnham decided to break Labour's manifesto promise, renege on his promises not to touch the issue during the Makerfield by-election, and sought to capitulate to the bitter faction of Remainers in his party. If Lord Khan and the Prime Minister want to try and take us back into Europe, we will tell them again: we want out.”
Conservative MP Louie French said: “After a decade of failing Londoners on crime and transport, the Mayor of London continues to find new ways to try and distract from his failures. London desperately needs a new champion that will focus on their actual job of running London.”
Prime Minister's EU plans
The intervention comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to set out options for the UK's future relationship with the EU next month. Mr Burnham has not ruled out a pledge to rejoin the EU without a referendum in Labour's next manifesto.
