Reeves says UK’s future should be inside the EU

Rachel Reeves, the former Chancellor, has expressed her belief that the United Kingdom’s future lies within the European Union. She criticized Brexit, stating it has left the country “poorer, weaker and less secure.” This marked her first significant public statement since stepping down from her Treasury role, where she emphasized the importance of renewed discussion regarding the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Despite Labour’s stance at the last general election—outlined in its manifesto—to remain outside the EU and focus on making Brexit work, Reeves welcomed an open conversation about future ties. Contrasting opinions on this issue remain evident across the political spectrum. For instance, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a candid debate about what the UK’s continuing relationship with Europe should entail. However, the Conservative Party has expressed a lack of interest in revisiting the Brexit debate, and Nigel Farage of Reform UK has asserted there is no electoral mandate for strengthening EU connections.

Labour’s manifesto for the 2024 election made it clear that the party does not intend to restore free movement, rejoin the single market, or re-enter the customs union. Burnham has emphasized that any significant shifts in the UK-EU relationship would require a fresh electoral mandate, with the next general election not scheduled until 2029. In an article for the Sunday Times, Reeves openly declared her long-standing conviction that Britain’s future is intertwined with the European Union, writing, “No-one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain’s future lies in the European Union.”

Reeves also highlighted her hopes for progress at the upcoming UK-EU summit, particularly regarding the youth mobility scheme she has advocated for during her tenure. Additionally, she expressed optimism about moving towards the UK’s entry into the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a collaborative defense effort announced last March following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. SAFE enables defense companies based in the UK to participate in projects funded by this EU-wide rearmament plan. In her reflection on her time in office, Reeves also championed the need for governments to adopt bolder approaches to large infrastructure projects and to remain pragmatic about the opportunities and risks introduced by artificial intelligence in developed economies

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