UK’s future lies in EU, says Rachel Reeves

Former British chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed her belief that the U.K.'s future should be aligned with the European Union, arguing that Brexit has been detrimental to Britain. In an op-ed for the Sunday Times, Reeves, who was dismissed as chancellor by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stated: "I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union. Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure."

Reeves welcomed Burnham's leadership in addressing the future relationship between the U.K. and Europe, noting that no one in the Treasury ever doubted her instincts. She emphasized that while she believes "Britain's future lies in the European Union," it was crucial for supporters of re-entry to make their case, demonstrate tangible benefits, and ensure the next steps were executed properly.

Recently, Burnham expressed openness to restarting free movement between the U.K. and the EU and expressed a desire to see Britain rejoin the bloc during his lifetime, though he ruled out reversing Brexit in the current parliament. During the last election, Labour's manifesto, which Reeves helped to draft, stated that a Labour government would remain outside the EU. However, at the Labour Party's conference in September, Burnham called for closer ties with the bloc.

Reeves' comments come ahead of a leaders' summit later this month, where she hopes to see confirmation of a youth mobility scheme she has been advocating for. The summit, scheduled for November 20, aims to finalize agreements covering trade and climate regulations between the EU and the U.K.