Rachel Reeves has called for Britain to rejoin the European Union, arguing that Brexit has made the country “poorer, weaker and less secure”. The former Chancellor backed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s push for closer ties with Brussels.
Reeves backs re-entry in Sunday Times article
Writing in The Sunday Times, the ex-Cabinet minister said she is “proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union”. She added: “Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure.”
Ms Reeves welcomed Mr Burnham’s leadership, stating: “There is a debate to be had about our future relationship with Europe, and I welcome Andy Burnham’s leadership in facing up to this. No one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain’s future lies in the European Union.”
Badenoch warns of 'fantasies' over referendum
She also said it was “incumbent on supporters of our re-entry to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right”.
Her comments drew a sharp response from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who warned that the PM’s “fantasies about redoing the referendum” would put “the whole country on pause”.
Burnham to set out options after summit
Mr Burnham is expected to set out options for the UK’s future relationship with Brussels after a joint summit later this month, despite having pledged not to “re-run” Brexit arguments during his Makerfield by-election campaign.
Any major change would have to wait until after the next General Election, as he has committed to Labour’s 2024 red lines against returning to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement. The PM has not ruled out a pledge to rejoin the bloc without a referendum in Labour’s next election manifesto.
