Rachel Reeves has thrown her weight behind the Prime Minister’s position on the possibility of deepening ties with the EU, arguing that Brexit left the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure”, reports BritPanorama.
Her intervention follows recent remarks by the Prime Minister that have sparked questions regarding the potential for Britain to return to the bloc or adopt its freedom of movement rules.
The former chancellor outlined her views in The Sunday Times. In the piece, the Labour former Cabinet minister expressed her support for “Andy Burnham’s leadership.”
Ms Reeves, who was dismissed as chancellor by Burnham upon his assumption of office, stated, “I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union.” She emphasized, “Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure.”
She remarked, “There is a debate to be had about our future relationship with Europe, and I welcome Andy Burnham’s leadership in facing up to this. No one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were.”
Despite her belief that “Britain’s future lies in the European Union”, Ms Reeves stressed the necessity for supporters of re-entry to articulate their case effectively, showcasing tangible benefits, and ensuring the next steps are properly addressed.
Mr Burnham aims to secure agreements concerning food and drink, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme at an upcoming summit with the bloc next month.
He informed ministers that the subsequent period would be dedicated to “explore options” for a long-term relationship.
Any potential changes regarding Britain’s future ties with Brussels will ultimately be presented to the public.
This week, the Prime Minister cautioned individual ministers against promoting specific options or speculating on the likely outcomes of the ongoing processes.
In a letter to his Cabinet, Mr Burnham indicated that any “fundamental change” to post-Brexit arrangements would be “for the public to decide” and left for the next parliament to address.
As Prime Minister, Andy Burnham is evaluating the path forward for Britain’s relationship with Europe amidst a backdrop of ongoing discussions and policy considerations.
