Rachel Reeves says UK's future lies within the EU

Summarised from 6 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 08:03 · Archive

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said Britain's future should be inside the European Union, arguing that Brexit has made the country poorer, weaker and less secure.

Rachel Reeves, the former Chancellor, has written that the UK's future should lie within the European Union, saying Brexit has made the country "poorer, weaker and less secure". In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, she welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent remarks about reopening discussion on the UK's relationship with Europe.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Reeves said she accepted there was "a debate to be had" about the UK's future in the EU. She stated that supporters of rejoining had to "make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right".

At the last election, Labour's manifesto ruled out a return to the EU, free movement, single market membership or a customs union. However, Burnham has indicated that any changes to Britain's relationship with Europe would require a new mandate from voters at a general election, next due by 2029.

Reeves said she hoped the forthcoming UK-EU summit would secure confirmation of a youth mobility scheme and progress towards entry into the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defence partnership. The Daily Mail reports that Reeves suggested a youth free movement deal next month could be a first step towards closer ties.

Burnham has said he wants to lock in deals on food and drink, emissions trading and the youth mobility scheme at the summit next month, before exploring options for the long-term relationship. The BBC reports that Chancellor John Healey expressed scepticism about rejoining the EU in interviews last week, despite Burnham urging ministers to maintain collective discipline on the issue.

How it is being reported

• Rachel Reeves says UK’s future is in EU as she backs Andy Burnham on BrexitFormer chancellor says leaving European Union has made Britain ‘poorer, weaker and less secure’ The former chancellor Rachel Reeves has argued the UK’s future should be inside the EU, saying Brexit has made the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure”. Writing in the Sunday Times , the Labour former cabinet minister said she welcomed “Andy Burnham’s leadership” after remarks made by the prime minister in recent days fuelled questions about the prospect of Britain returning to the bloc or adopting its freedom of movement rules. Continue reading...Guardian World · 1 Nov, 08:37
• Rachel Reeves backs rejoining EU and blasts Brexit for making UK 'poorer, weaker and less secure'Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed Andy Burnham's push for a rethink on the relationship with the bloc - but said supporters need to win the argumentThe Mirror · 1 Nov, 08:26
• Rachel Reeves joins Labour push to rejoin EU as she says youth 'free movement' scheme has ALREADY been negotiatedRachel Reeves insisted Britain's 'future lies in the European Union' after Andy Burnham reignited the long-running row.Daily Mail · 1 Nov, 07:53
• Britain’s future is in the EU, says Rachel Reeves: 'Brexit has made us poorer and weaker'Former chancellor backed Andy Burnham’s stance on potentially deepening ties with the EUEvening Standard · 1 Nov, 06:59
• Reeves says UK's future should be inside the EUIn her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, Rachel Reeves says Brexit has made the UK "poorer, weaker and less secure".BBC News · 1 Nov, 02:57
• Rachel Reeves calls for UK to rejoin EU: ‘Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure’The former chancellor said she “welcomed” moves from Andy Burnham to reopen the door to BrusselsThe Independent · 31 Oct, 23:02

In this story: Rachel Reeves · Andy Burnham · European Union · Labour · John Healey · United Kingdom

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