# Reeves backs closer EU ties, calling Europe Britain’s natural ally

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/is-she-hoping-for-a-comeback-rachel-reeves-heaps-more-praise-on-burnhams-eu-push-claiming-brussels-now-more-important-ally-than-us/
- Published: 2026-11-03T10:38:53+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T10:52:35+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16261667/Rachel-Reeves-praise-Burnham-EU-US-Trump.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, Europe, World

## Key points

- Reeves says Europe is Britain’s natural key ally.
- She cites an estimated Brexit cost of £200 billion.
- Burnham says he has not proposed restoring freedom of movement.

## Summary

Rachel Reeves has called the European Union Britain’s “obvious” key ally, arguing that shared interests, values and geography make Europe a more natural partner as the geopolitical balance shifts under Donald Trump. Her comments reinforce Andy Burnham’s push for closer ties with Brussels and sharpen Labour’s criticism of Brexit’s economic consequences.

Speaking at Harvard, Reeves cited estimates that Brexit has cost up to 8 per cent of GDP, or £200 billion, and said closer EU ties could support living standards, public services and security. She pointed to work on Erasmus, support for Ukraine and a proposed youth mobility scheme for 18 to 30-year-olds. Burnham says he has not proposed restoring freedom of movement; the UK and EU are expected to discuss food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility at a summit on 20 November.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.