{
  "id": 17590627,
  "title": "Rachel Reeves says UK’s future is in EU as she backs Andy Burnham on Brexit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/rachel-reeves-says-uks-future-is-in-eu-as-she-backs-andy-burnham-on",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-01T09:55:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/nov/01/rachel-reeves-uk-future-is-in-eu-andy-burnham-brexit"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stated that Britain's future should lie within the European Union, arguing that Brexit has left the country \"poorer, weaker and less secure.\" In her first major public comments since stepping down from the Treasury, Reeves wrote an article for the Sunday Times, stating that those seeking a re-entry into the EU must provide compelling arguments to the public. Reeves, who was dismissed by then-Chancellor Andy Burnham, said that all who worked with her in the Treasury knew of her pro-European stance. She expressed pride in the progress made in strengthening the relationship between the UK and the EU, but insisted that Brexit had had a negative impact on the British economy. The current focus of British negotiations revolves around an upcoming EU summit aimed at easing trading restrictions and a youth mobility deal. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is keen on securing a long-term, stable relationship with the bloc. Burnham has called for \"honest discussions\" about freedom of movement and rejoining the single market, though he suggested that rejoining could be achieved without a second referendum if Labour included it in their 2024 manifesto. Reeves emphasized that supporters of re-entry need to make their case, demonstrate tangible benefits, and ensure the process is executed correctly. At a recent cabinet meeting, Burnham cautioned ministers against sharing their opinions on Brexit strategy, although he acknowledged that the Conservatives' deal with Brussels was more stringent than the original 2016 referendum promise. Reports suggest some ministers, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, harbor concerns about the revised deal's potential impact on migration. Burnham has proposed a two-stage approach to reforming Brexit, starting with initial changes that will be addressed in Labour's 2024 manifesto. This manifesto commits to remaining outside the EU's customs union and single market, and not reinstating freedom of movement. Any larger reforms would need to be discussed after the next election, with Burnham advocating for an open debate on potential options. Reeves, as Chancellor, was among the first senior ministers to acknowledge that Brexit had negatively affected the British economy and its growth prospects. In a recent lecture, she highlighted that Brexit had created uncertainty, raised trade barriers, and left Britain exposed to potential conflicts as globalization declines.",
  "summary": "Former chancellor says leaving European Union has made Britain ‘poorer, weaker and less secure’ The former chancellor Rachel Reeves has argued Britain’s future should be back in the European Union, saying Brexit has made the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure.” In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury when Andy Burnham took office, she said those forging a path back towards EU…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Politico EU",
        "title": "UK’s future lies in EU, says Rachel Reeves",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/uks-future-lies-in-eu-says-rachel-reeves",
        "published": "2026-11-01T10:45:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}