Sadiq Khan calls on Labour to pledge to rejoin the EU at next election
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on Labor to pledge to rejoin the European Union at the next general election. Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Sir Sadiq outlined a roadmap for closer relations, including re-entry into both the customs union and the single market.
He highlighted the detrimental impact of Brexit, saying: “I see every day the damage that Brexit is doing, not just to London but to Londoners, economically, socially and culturally.” Sir Sadiq spoke clearly: “I’m quite clear on what needs to happen, which is to join the European Union.”
The Mayor claimed that “the facts have changed” and “the evidence has changed” and cited the election of US President Donald Trump, increasing global instability, and the passage of time as reasons to revisit the issue. He insisted: “As a Labor Party we must fight the next general election with a clear manifesto commitment; voting Labor means we will rejoin the European Union. I think that is inevitable.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sought to “reset” relations with Brussels in a bid to improve trade ties since his election in 2024.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned earlier this week that the UK risks being “stranded” between rival trading blocs if it does not forge closer ties with Brussels.
He said any deviation from EU regulations would be limited, describing it as “the exception, not the norm”.
Ms Reeves added: “Our fate as a country is inevitably tied to the fate of Europe.”
By the next joint summit later this year, the UK and EU want to finalize a youth mobility plan, as well as agreements on creating a common sanitary and phytosanitary area and linking emissions trading systems.
In February, Downing Street ruled out rejoining the customs union after European economic commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said the bloc would be open to discussions.
No 10 sought to throw cold water on the idea, saying Sir Keir Starmer’s government would stick to its red lines while deepening ties with the EU.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will not rejoin the customs union, the single market or return to freedom of movement.
“According to the government’s manifesto, these are our red lines.
“We want a closer economic partnership with the EU, but rejoining the customs union would destroy the important trade agreements we have reached, including our agreements with the US and India.”
