Sadiq Khan says his ‘ultimate goal’ is to reverse Brexit
Sir Sadiq Khan has stepped up calls to reverse Brexit, describing it as Britain’s “ultimate goal” of joining the European Union.
One Interview with the ObserverThe Labor Mayor of London says he wants Sir Keir Starmer to do more to restore ties with the EU, six years after Britain withdrew from the bloc.
He said his goal of rejoining the EU would be achieved within his lifetime.
The comments come as Sir Keir seeks to step up his drive to “reset” EU relations while insisting the government’s “clear red lines on the single market and customs union” remain in place.
Last week, he said Labor was working to negotiate new arrangements with the EU, including on food and agriculture, and also indicated a desire for closer defense ties.
Days later, European Commission member responsible for finance, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: he told the BBC It was stated that Brussels was “ready to join” if Sir Keir wanted to explore the possibility of a customs union or work together.
In the interview published on Sunday, Sir Sadiq said: “My ultimate goal is for us to rejoin. [the EU] And I think it will happen in my lifetime.
He added: “I want us to be part of the customs union. I am an advocate of us being part of the single market. I think we can negotiate more now compared to 2016 or 2019 because of the change in geopolitics. Europe needs us and we need Europe.”
The former Tooting MP campaigned to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum and subsequently in the name It was decided to hold a second referendum two years later due to a “bad deal” negotiated with the EU.
Two years ago, he declared that it was “clear that Brexit is not working” as he urgently called for a closer relationship with the EU after a Cambridge Econometrics study estimated that Brexit had cost the UK £140bn.
Supporters of a customs union between the UK and the EU said it would reduce bureaucracy and costs associated with trade with the EU.
But critics have raised concerns that this would restrict the UK’s ability to strike special global trade deals.
Labour’s election manifesto ruled out membership of the existing EU customs union.
In December cabinet minister Pat McFadden shut down deputy prime minister David Lammy after he suggested rejoining the customs union could boost growth and repeatedly refused to rule out reversing Brexit.
Mr McFadden said it was “pretty clear” Sir Keir would not rejoin the UK’s customs union.
But whether Brexit will become a major issue in the next general election remains to be seen.
Labor believes it is the only political party with a position on Brexit that reflects public views after Sir Keir outlined plans to align Britain more closely with the EU.
