Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves advocates EU accession, urging the UK’s future lie within the Union

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the United Kingdom’s future should be inside the European Union, describing Brexit as having left the country “poorer, weaker and less secure.” In her first major public intervention since leaving the Treasury, Reeves welcomed a renewed debate over the UK’s relationship with Europe.

In a piece for the Sunday Times, external, she wrote, “No-one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain’s future lies in the European Union.” She added that proponents of rejoining must “make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and get the next steps right.”

The comments come as Labour’s 2024 election manifesto ruled out a return to free movement, single‑market membership or a customs union. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that any shift in the relationship would require a fresh mandate at a general election, scheduled for 2029.

Reeves also highlighted specific aims for the upcoming UK‑EU summit, calling for confirmation of a youth mobility scheme she has long championed and for progress toward participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. SAFE is part of an EU‑wide effort to rearm after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine and includes defence pacts that allow UK‑based companies to contribute.

In the article she defended her record in office, arguing that governments need to be “braver” in delivering large‑scale infrastructure projects and “clear‑eyed” about the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in advanced economies.

The Conservatives have insisted there is no appetite to revisit the Brexit debate, while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has said there is no mandate for closer EU ties.

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