London Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly urged the Labour Party to commit to rejoining the European Union in their next general election manifesto. He further stated that the incumbent government ought to rejoin both the customs union and the single market before the upcoming election, anticipated in 2029.
Downing Street, however, has consistently maintained that the government has no intention of joining either the customs union or the single market.
Responding to Khan’s remarks, the Conservative Party suggested that the outspoken mayor’s statements indicated a scenario where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would be “in office but not in power.”
Khan’s Rationale and Union Rejoining
In an interview with the Italian newspaper la Repubblica, Sir Sadiq characterized rejoining the bloc as “inevitable.” He implied, though did not explicitly state, that the UK could achieve this without necessitating another referendum.
“I witness daily the detrimental impact of Brexit,” Khan remarked, referring to the damage inflicted upon London, its residents, and the nation’s economy, social fabric, and culture. He also noted that external factors such as US tariffs and the conflict in Iran have exacerbated the cost of living crisis.
He elaborated, “The facts have evolved. The evidence has changed… I believe it is inevitable that, at some point, we will rejoin the European Union.”
Political Backlash and Alternative Policies
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party commented, “Keir Starmer is in office but not in power. Ed Miliband is dictating foreign policy, Angela Rayner is determining immigration policy, and now Sadiq Khan is shaping EU policy. Only Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives are serious about reducing welfare spending, lowering taxes, and restoring economic productivity in Britain.”
Sir Sadiq also expressed support for a reconsideration of certain aspects of the government’s proposed asylum crackdown, a policy that has encountered increasing opposition from within the Labour Party itself.
Earlier in the week, Angela Rayner had voiced concerns, warning that proposals to restrict the ability of migrants already in the UK to gain permanent residency were “un-British” and constituted a “breach of trust.”
The London mayor added, “We desire individuals who come here to contribute fully, to integrate, and to participate. I would anticipate that a Labour government would heed the views of myself, Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham, and numerous others who have voiced their reservations.”
Opposition and Support for Rejoining
With regard to the prospect of rejoining the EU, a spokesperson for Reform UK stated, “Following the next election, Reform will oppose any move to draw us back into the single market and customs union.”
In contrast, Green Party leader Zack Polanski described Brexit as “a disaster socially, culturally, and economically.” Speaking at an event earlier on Wednesday, he declared, “One day, I do want to see us rejoin.” He also commented on Nigel Farage’s return to public discourse, noting his “chutzpah” in presenting himself as a solution to a crisis he helped create.
Former Prime Minister’s Assessment
During a speech at King’s College London on Wednesday evening, former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major asserted that Brexit had “failed to deliver its many promises.” He estimated the annual economic cost at “£100 billion of European trade and £40 billion of tax revenue.”
Sir John concluded that Brexit was “inflicting immense harm on the lives and livelihoods of the British people—and their future,” and had left the UK in a state of increased isolation and vulnerability.
He stated, “I do not believe we can fully rejoin the European Union in the near future. However, the imperative of economic well-being demands that we rebuild relationships with our closest neighbours as rapidly and comprehensively as possible.”
The Liberal Democrats have been approached for comment.
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