London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urging the Labour Party to commit to reversing Brexit in their upcoming manifesto for the next general election. Khan emphasized the need for rejoining the European Union, citing global instability and the election of Donald Trump as significant reasons to reconsider the controversial decision.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Sir Sadiq presented a roadmap for closer EU ties, criticizing the ongoing negative impacts of Brexit on London economically, socially, and culturally. He advocated for rejoining both the customs union and the single market as part of the plan.
Khan insisted that it is crucial for Labour to make a clear pledge to rejoin the EU in their manifesto for the next general election, stating that the changed circumstances and evidence since the 2016 Brexit vote make it an inevitable and necessary move. He highlighted President Trump’s policies causing economic uncertainty and emphasized Europe as the UK’s primary security in today’s unstable world.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also warned about the risks of the UK being caught between trading blocs post-Brexit and stressed the importance of closer alignment with the EU. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been working to improve trade relationships with the EU, recognizing the need to make the EU partnership beneficial for British citizens.
The UK and EU aim to finalize agreements on various issues by their next summit, including a youth mobility scheme, establishing a common sanitary and phytosanitary area, and linking emissions trading systems. While the EU expressed openness to discussions on rejoining the customs union, Downing Street reiterated that the UK’s stance remains firm on not rejoining the customs union, single market, or reverting to freedom of movement, in line with the government’s manifesto commitments.