World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
UK should rejoin EU – and Burnham ought to put pledge in next manifesto, Scottish Labour leader says
Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union and said the party should make that a commitment in its next general election manifesto. He told Andy Burnham he would support including the pledge, putting pressure on Labour’s UK leadership as it considers options for closer ties with Europe.
Marra argued that rejoining could support economic growth, investment, jobs and public services, while acknowledging that questions about currency and borders would need to be addressed. He cited polling showing 61 per cent support for rejoining and an estimate that Brexit has reduced UK GDP by up to 8 per cent; he also plans a Scottish summit next year to develop the case. Rejoining is not current UK Labour or government policy, and Marra did not say whether a referendum would be needed.
In short
- Michael Marra wants UK rejoining the EU in Labour’s next manifesto.
- He says closer ties could help growth, jobs and public services.
- Rejoining is not current UK Labour policy.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rejoining could reduce trade barriers, strengthen investment and improve the prospects for growth, jobs and public services. Supporters may also argue that reported public backing makes it reasonable for Labour to offer rejoining as a clear choice, while working through practical questions such as currency and borders.
The case against
A commitment to rejoin could reopen a divisive constitutional debate and distract from nearer-term economic and public-service priorities. Critics may argue that polling does not settle the terms or consequences of membership, and that Labour should pursue closer cooperation with the EU without promising full re-entry before those questions and the need for a public mandate are addressed.
Explained simply
The UK left the European Union in 2020, after a 2016 referendum in which voters chose to leave. EU membership had allowed the UK to trade and travel under shared rules with other member countries; since leaving, the UK has had a separate relationship with the bloc.
Michael Marra leads Scottish Labour, while Andy Burnham is the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester. Labour’s UK leadership sets the party’s position for general elections, and rejoining the EU is not currently party or government policy.
The debate matters because the UK’s relationship with the EU affects trade, investment, migration and rules for cooperation. Any proposal to rejoin would raise practical questions, including how to handle borders and currency.