Politics1 min read

Rachel Reeves says UK’s future is in EU as she backs Andy Burnham on Brexit

By · Via The Guardian · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The former cabinet minister endorsed the current prime ministerial approach while urging clear demonstrations of how closer European ties aid the country. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is targeting specific pacts covering emissions trading, food and drink, and youth mobility during an upcoming bilateral summit next month. While Reeves hopes for immediate progress on a youth scheme and European defense cooperation, Burnham has cautioned his ministers against publicly pushing for predetermined results. The administration plans to explore long-term options only after the summit concludes.

Key points

  • The prime minister has cautioned ministers against actively advocating for specific negot…: The prime minister has cautioned ministers against actively advocating for specific negotiation outcomes ahead of the summit.
  • Proponents of European re-entry must demonstrate tangible benefits to successfully manage…: Proponents of European re-entry must demonstrate tangible benefits to successfully manage future political steps.
  • Any fundamental changes to the nation's post-Brexit relationship will be left for the pub…: Any fundamental changes to the nation's post-Brexit relationship will be left for the public to decide next parliament.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The former chancellor Rachel Reeves has argued the UK’s future should be inside the EU, saying Brexit has made the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure”.

Writing in the Sunday Times, the Labour former cabinet minister said she welcomed “Andy Burnham’s leadership” after remarks made by the prime minister in recent days fuelled questions about the prospect of Britain returning to the bloc or adopting its freedom of movement rules.

Burnham wants to lock in deals on food and drink, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme at a summit with the bloc next month, but told ministers that the period beyond that would be to “explore options” for the long-term relationship.

Reeves, who was sacked as chancellor by Burnham when he took office, said: “I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union. Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure.

“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…

Politics