Rachel Reeves Says UK's Future Is in EU, Backs Andy Burnham on Brexit

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declared that the UK's future lies within the European Union, arguing that Brexit has left Britain "poorer, weaker and less secure." In a Sunday Times article, Reeves welcomed the recent intervention by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has called for a closer relationship with the EU, including rejoining the customs union and single market. Reeves's remarks come amid growing debate within Labour about the party's Brexit stance, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced questions over whether the UK could rejoin the bloc or adopt freedom of movement rules. Reeves, who served as shadow chancellor under Starmer, stressed that economic growth and security would be best served by closer EU alignment, though she stopped short of calling for immediate rejoining. Her intervention signals a shift among senior Labour figures towards a more pro-EU position, as public opinion polls show rising regret over Brexit. With trade barriers and labour shortages continuing to affect businesses, the political cost of Brexit is becoming harder to ignore. The question now is whether Labour will turn this debate into policy.