Reeves Calls for UK to Re‑Enter EU Orbit

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves used a Sunday Times op‑ed to argue that Britain’s destiny is tied to the European Union, describing Brexit as having made the country “poorer, weaker and less secure”.

Reeves, speaking for the first time since leaving the Treasury, said she “welcomed debate around the UK’s relationship with Europe” and urged supporters of re‑joining to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and get the next steps right.

She noted that the forthcoming UK‑EU summit offers a chance to confirm the youth‑mobility scheme she has championed since her ministerial days, and she hopes for “progress towards entry” into the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme, an EU‑wide defence initiative launched last March in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

SAFE, which was enabled by a defence pact agreed with the EU in May, allows UK‑based defence firms to join projects funded under the programme.

Labour’s 2024 election manifesto still rules out a return to free movement, single‑market membership or a customs union, meaning any change would require a fresh mandate at a general election, which is due by 2029 according to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Burnham has said an honest discussion about the future relationship is needed, while the Conservatives claim there is no appetite to relaunch the Brexit debate and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage says there is no mandate for closer EU ties.

In her piece, Reeves also defended her record, urging governments to be “braver” on large infrastructure projects and “clear‑eyed” about the risks and benefits AI will bring to advanced economies.

The debate is back on, but the road to any EU‑linked future remains firmly tied to the next election.