Writing in the Sunday Times, Rachel Reeves argued that Brexit has left the nation poorer and less secure while urging rejoining advocates to demonstrate concrete benefits. She urged progress at an upcoming UK-EU summit on a youth mobility scheme and access to the bloc's SAFE defence initiative. Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the necessity of honest talks about future European ties, though he stressed that major shifts require an electoral mandate by 2029. Alongside her foreign policy stance, Reeves defended her Treasury record and called on leaders to execute major infrastructure plans boldly.
Key points
Rachel Reeves broke with Labour's 2024 manifesto pledges that ruled out returning to the…: Rachel Reeves broke with Labour's 2024 manifesto pledges that ruled out returning to the European single market or customs union.
Both the Conservative Party and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage rejected reopening discussi…: Both the Conservative Party and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage rejected reopening discussions on establishing closer European ties.
In addition to European policy, Reeves urged the government to pursue major infrastructur…: In addition to European policy, Reeves urged the government to pursue major infrastructure projects and navigate the risks of artificial intelligence.
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Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has argued the UK's future should be inside the EU, and that Brexit has made the country "poorer, weaker and less secure".
In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, Reeves said she welcomed debate around the UK's relationship with Europe.
At the last election, Labour's manifesto said a Labour government would stay outside the EU and make Brexit work.
But Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there needs to be an honest discussion about what the future relationship looks like.
The Conservatives have said there is no desire to rerun the Brexit debate and Reform UK's Nigel Farage has said there is no mandate to pursue closer EU ties.
Labour's 2024 election manifesto ruled out a return of free movement, single market membership or a customs union.
Burnham has said that any changes would require a mandate at a general election, which is next due by 2029.
In the Sunday Times, external, Reeves wrote: "No-one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain's future lies in the…
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