Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the United Kingdom's future belongs inside the European Union, asserting that Brexit has left the nation poorer, weaker, and less secure. Making her first major intervention since departing the Treasury, Reeves wrote in the Sunday Times that she welcomed a broader debate about the country's relationship with Europe and expressed belief in Britain's eventual return to the EU.
Reeves emphasized that proponents of rejoining must successfully make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits, and properly manage the next steps. Her remarks come despite Labour's 2024 election manifesto explicitly ruling out a return to the single market, customs union, or free movement, instead promising to make Brexit work. Prime Minister Andy Burnham noted that any future relationship changes would require a democratic mandate at a general election, which is scheduled to take place by 2029, while the Conservatives and Reform UK's Nigel Farage opposed reopening the Brexit debate.
Looking ahead, Reeves stated she hopes the upcoming UK-EU summit will confirm the youth mobility scheme she previously advocated for while in office. She also seeks progress toward entering the Security Action for Europe scheme, an EU-wide rearmament initiative announced following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, Reeves defended her Treasury record, urging governments to show greater bravery regarding major infrastructure projects and to remain clear-eyed about the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.
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