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Labour’s Brexit red lines ready for ‘dignified retirement’, says their co-author
Chris Ward, a Labour MP who helped write the party’s Brexit red lines, says they should be dropped by the next general election to allow a much closer relationship with the EU. He argues that changing security threats and reduced confidence in US support have made a reassessment necessary.
The red lines rule out rejoining the EU, the single market and customs union, and restoring freedom of movement. Ward says an EU reset deal could bring benefits such as cheaper business prices, a youth mobility scheme and the return of Erasmus+, but wants public debate about options including rejoining or associate membership. He says the case for change should focus on geopolitical and security concerns, rather than rely on familiar economic arguments.
In short
- Chris Ward says Labour’s Brexit red lines have outlived their purpose.
- He cites security threats and uncertainty over US support.
- He wants debate on rejoining or closer EU ties.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ward’s case is that changing security threats and less certain US support make closer ties with the EU a strategic question, not just an economic one. Retiring the red lines would let voters and politicians consider arrangements such as youth mobility, Erasmus+ or closer association, while weighing their benefits openly before the next election.
The case against
The red lines can be defended as a clear commitment to respect the referendum outcome and avoid reopening settled questions about EU membership, free movement and shared rules. Keeping them may also protect the government’s ability to pursue practical cooperation without creating uncertainty for businesses or promising changes whose costs and public support remain unclear.
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