Rachel Reeves calls for UK to rejoin the European Union
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet Ursula von der Leyen on November 20.
- Ministers have approved a pact for 80,000 young Europeans to work in the UK.
- Chancellor John Healey has publicly dismissed the possibility of rejoining the EU.
- Reeves urges the government to secure the youth mobility pact and SAFE defense framework.
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has used an article in The Sunday Times to declare that the future of the United Kingdom lies within the European Union. This statement marks the first time Reeves has spoken publicly since she was removed from her role as chancellor in July.
Writing on 1 November 2026, the former minister argued that the country’s post-Brexit path has left it poorer, weaker and less secure.
Labour government faces internal disagreement over EU relationship
The Labour government currently faces internal divisions regarding the direction of the country’s relationship with the European Union. These disagreements have been linked to a contentious youth mobility pact currently under discussion.
She previously described closer economic ties with the bloc as the biggest prize for the country.
While she remains proud of the progress made in strengthening these ties, Reeves warns that proponents must demonstrate tangible benefits to the public rather than assuming support. Reports indicate that Brexit has left the United Kingdom in a weaker and poorer state.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares for Brussels summit
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on 20 November. Ahead of this summit, Burnham issued a formal memo instructing ministers to avoid publicly advocating for specific negotiation outcomes until official discussions conclude.
Despite these instructions, the Prime Minister has called for an open conversation regarding the future of European relations. He has not ruled out the possibility of campaigning to rejoin the European Union during the next election. Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed support for this initiative to reconsider the country's relationship with the bloc.
Chancellor John Healey rejects rejoining the European Union
Chancellor John Healey has publicly dismissed the prospect of the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union. Representing a Leave-voting seat in South Yorkshire, Healey stated that he does not expect the country to rejoin the bloc within his lifetime.
Ministers approve youth mobility pact and discuss SAFE framework
Ahead of the upcoming summit, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves urged ministers to finalize this scheme and pursue progress on the European SAFE defence partnership. Reeves also requested that advocates of closer ties demonstrate concrete economic and security benefits to the public.
Labour maintains 2024 manifesto pledges on freedom of movement
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto explicitly stated that the party would not re-enter the single market, the customs union, or restore freedom of movement.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that he would not restore free movement without holding a referendum.
Wider political landscape and European Union headquarters
Reform UK remains the primary opponent of returning to the EU.
The European Union lists its headquarters as being in London, England.
Rachel Reeves' career as MP and former Chancellor
She was the Chancellor of the Exchequer from July 2024 to July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Rachel Reeves breaks silence on Labour’s EU split: "Britain’s future lies in the European Union" (dagens.com)
- Rachel Reeves says Brexit left UK poorer and weaker (joe.co.uk)
- Rachel Reeves (linkedin.com)
- European Union (tavily.com)
- European Union (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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