Reeves Backs EU Return as Burnham Prepares Summit

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly argued that the United Kingdom should rejoin the European Union, a stance that places her at the center of a growing debate over Britain's post-Brexit trajectory.

In an article published in the Sunday Times, Reeves described the departure from the bloc as a move that left the country "poorer, weaker and less secure." She stated that she is "proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union" and asserted that her instincts have always favored a closer tie with Europe.

Reeves, who was removed from the Treasury when Prime Minister Andy Burnham took office, said she welcomes his leadership on the issue. She emphasized that while she believes "Britain's future lies in the European Union," it is the responsibility of re-entry supporters to demonstrate tangible benefits and execute the next steps correctly.

Burnham is preparing for a summit with the bloc next month where he aims to secure agreements on food and drink trade, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme. However, he has instructed ministers that the period following these deals will be used to "explore options" for the long-term relationship.

This week, the prime minister warned cabinet members that it would not be appropriate to advocate for specific outcomes or offer opinions on the likely result of any renegotiation process. In a letter to his cabinet, Burnham clarified that any "fundamental change" to post-Brexit arrangements would be decided by the public and left to the next parliament.

Reeves hopes the upcoming summit will confirm the youth mobility scheme and show "progress towards entry" into the Security Action for Europe, or Safe, scheme. Safe was announced in March as part of an EU-wide effort to rearm following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A defense pact agreed with the EU in May allowed UK-based defense companies to participate in projects funded by the initiative.

The former chancellor noted that no one in the Treasury ever doubted where her instincts lay regarding the European relationship, reinforcing her position as a leading voice for a potential return to the bloc.