Rachel Reeves demands closer ties with EU in final speech as Chancellor | Politics | News
In arguably her last major speech as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves called for closer relations with the EU. He stressed that Britain had “no alliance” more important than its relationship with Brussels and called on Britain to be “much bolder” and go “much further”.
Ms Reeves argued that the reward of a stronger relationship with the bloc would be “tremendous”. He called for the UK-EU summit, planned for this month but thrown into doubt after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation, to be rescheduled “as soon as possible” to finalize plans for the youth mobility scheme and other agreements on agricultural products and emissions.
In her speech at Mansion House, Ms Reeves said: “In our age of insecurity, our country’s economic strength depends on strategic alliances and no alliance is more important to us than our relationship with the European Union.
“I think we need to be much bolder and go much further towards a credible economic and security partnership, where the default is to include the UK rather than exclude it, recognizing that in many cases this will be the approach that will be of the greatest benefit to Britain.”
Ms Reeves also defended her record, insisting that the economy had “beat the odds” under her management.
He said: “I’m proud to say the British economy is strong because of the choices I’ve made.
“At the beginning of this year, the UK experienced the fastest economic growth in the G7. Last year, borrowing fell from 5.2% to 4.3%, the lowest level in the last six years.
“Investment has increased, productivity has increased and wages have also increased.
“Waiting lists are falling faster than at any time in the last 17 years and half a million children will be lifted out of poverty by the end of this Parliament.”
He called on acting Prime Minister Andy Burnham to balance economic credibility with “radical change”, saying that was the Labor Government’s mission and “I know that will remain the next mission.”
He said: “This Government has shown that change, indeed radical change, is possible and the record of the last two years makes clear that governments can only achieve this change when they combine radicalism with credibility.
“I needed to gain that credibility in the Opposition and I proved that in every action I took as Chancellor in Government.”
Mr Burnham is expected to replace Ms Reeves when he enters 10 Downing Street next Monday, but he has not yet confirmed any Cabinet appointments.
