Andy Burnham sets November 20 deadline for UK-EU summit
The Prime Minister aims to secure deals on trade and emissions, while former Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushes for a full re-entry debate.
By Amit Ricci ·
Rachel Reeves is calling for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union.
The former Chancellor made the statement from the steps of 11 Downing Street. She argues that the UK became poorer, weaker, and less secure after leaving the bloc. Reeves stated that Britain's future lies in the EU.
The UK left the EU in 2020. For seven years, the government has negotiated separate deals with the bloc on a sector-by-sector basis. The current administration is now moving toward a more formal dialogue.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is leading the new approach. He is scheduled to attend an EU summit in Brussels on 20 November. Officials say he aims to finalize agreements on food and drink standards, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme.
The Prime Minister plans to explore options for a longer-term relationship after the summit. However, the government will not make major structural changes before the next general election.
Martyn McCluskey, a UK government minister, told BBC Scotland's Sunday Show that the public is already discussing the topic. He said, "I'm not going to get ahead of myself on process here. What we need to focus on is we're having a conversation." McCluskey added that the debate should happen in public to clarify the benefits.
Political reactions are split along party lines. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, called the move a Westminster bubble argument. Shadow Scottish Secretary Harriet Cross argued that the result of the 2016 vote should be respected. She noted that there have been benefits to leaving the EU.
The Scottish National Party is welcoming the shift. Dave Doogan, the SNP's Westminster leader, said he really welcomed Reeves' comments. He described leaving the EU as a retrograde step. Doogan suggested that if the UK re-visits its EU status, it should also re-visit the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. He called it hypocrisy not to consider both issues.
Downing Street maintained on Friday that a second independence referendum is off the table. The Prime Minister's team stated this position while in Glasgow. The SNP argues that the independence issue is linked to the European question. They believe the UK's stance on Europe will impact their campaign for independence.
The next major step is the Brussels summit. Burnham will meet with EU leaders to lock in the specific deals. The outcome will determine whether the UK moves closer to a formal re-entry process or remains in its current trade arrangement.
