In his first major address at the University of Edinburgh, Michael Marra acknowledged that securing readmission would require resolving difficult questions regarding currency and national borders. His position goes significantly further than that of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has explicitly ruled out re-entering the bloc during the current parliament. Instead, Burnham is preparing to travel to Brussels next week to sign limited agreements on food trade barriers, emissions, and youth mobility.
Key points
Scottish Labour has established a pro-EU platform that directly breaks from current UK go…: Scottish Labour has established a pro-EU platform that directly breaks from current UK government policy.
The push to re-enter the European Union is being pursued without endorsing a second refer…: The push to re-enter the European Union is being pursued without endorsing a second referendum on Scottish independence.
Political opponents remain divided over the proposal, ranging from Liberal Democrat suppo…: Political opponents remain divided over the proposal, ranging from Liberal Democrat support to outright rejection by Reform UK Scotland.
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The Scottish Labour leader has called for the UK to re-join the European Union, insisting it should be a "long-term objective" for the whole country.
During his first major speech since becoming party leader, Michael Marra said he wanted "solidarity, not separation" and accepted that "re-joining the EU won't be easy".
Marra acknowledged there would be "serious questions" over issues such as currency and borders before the UK could return to the EU.
Last month, the UK government ruled out re-joining the EU within this parliament but Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wanted to explore closer ties with Europe.
The UK Labour leader suggested another referendum on the issue could feature in a future Labour manifesto.
Speaking at the University of Edinburgh, Marra said: "The UK should re-join the European Union and Scottish Labour will work to make that happen.
"I don't pretend it will happen quickly. But I believe we should set it as a long-term objective for the UK and that Scotland should lead the change in making that happen."
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