Rachel Reeves says Britain’s future lies inside the EU

Former UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has said Britain’s future lies inside the European Union, arguing that Brexit has made the country “poorer, weaker and less secure”. Her intervention renews debate over closer ties, although Labour’s 2024 manifesto ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union and restoring free movement.

Writing in the *Sunday Times*, Reeves said she welcomed discussion about the UK’s relationship with Europe. She urged supporters of rejoining to make their case, show tangible benefits and get the next steps right.

The comments are her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury. They come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for an honest discussion about the future relationship, while saying any changes would need a mandate at a general election, which is due by 2029 at the latest.

The Conservatives have opposed reopening the Brexit debate, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said there is no mandate for closer EU ties.

Reeves also said she hoped an upcoming UK-EU summit would confirm a youth mobility scheme she had backed in office and bring progress towards UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe defence scheme. A defence pact agreed last May paved the way for UK-based companies to take part in projects funded through the scheme.