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Reeves backs closer EU ties, calling Europe Britain’s natural ally
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.
In short
- 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.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Closer ties with the EU could help Britain trade more easily with its largest nearby market, support growth and living standards, and co-operate on shared challenges such as security and support for Ukraine. Advocates argue that practical agreements on food, emissions and youth mobility can bring benefits while being negotiated separately from a return to free movement.
The case against
Closer alignment with EU rules and programmes could limit Britain’s ability to set its own policies, and any new arrangements would need to be weighed against their costs and the concessions they require. Critics may also question whether estimates of Brexit’s economic impact establish that closer ties would recover lost output, and argue that Britain can pursue trade and security partnerships without giving Brussels a greater role.
Explained simply
The European Union is a group of countries that co-operate on trade and other issues. The UK left the EU in 2020, ending its membership of the single market and customs union, which had made trade between Britain and EU countries simpler.
Rachel Reeves is the UK’s chancellor, responsible for the government’s finances, while Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester. Labour has argued that leaving the EU has made trade harder; estimates of the economic cost vary, and the government has not proposed rejoining the bloc.
The UK and EU still work together in areas such as support for Ukraine, education exchanges and trade rules. Their relationship matters because it affects businesses, jobs, public finances and security, as well as how easily people can travel or study across borders.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Is she hoping for a comeback? Rachel Reeves heaps more praise on Burnham’s EU push claiming Brussels now more important ally than US”.