Reeves says UK's future should be inside the EU
In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, Rachel Reeves says Brexit has made the UK "poorer, weaker and less secure".
Reeves says UK's future should be inside the EU
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the UK's future ought to be inside the EU, arguing that Brexit has left the country "poorer, weaker and less secure".
In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury, Reeves said she welcomed discussion about the UK's relationship with Europe.
At the last election, Labour's manifesto said a Labour government would remain outside the EU and make Brexit work.
But Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there must be an honest conversation about what the future relationship should look like.
The Conservatives have said there is no wish to reopen the Brexit debate, while Reform UK's Nigel Farage has said there is no mandate to seek closer EU ties.
Labour's 2024 election manifesto ruled out a return to free movement, single market membership or a customs union.
Burnham has said any changes would need a mandate at a general election, which is next due by 2029.
Reeves wrote: "No-one in the Treasury ever doubted where my instincts were. I do believe Britain's future lies in the European Union."
She said those who support rejoining the EU must "make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right".
Reeves added that at the upcoming UK-EU summit, she hoped for confirmation of the youth mobility scheme she has been advocating since she was in office.
She also said she was hoping for "progress towards entry" into the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme.
Announced last March, SAFE is part of an EU-wide push to rearm after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A defence pact agreed with the EU last May opened the door for UK-based defence companies to take part in projects funded by SAFE.
She wrote about the need for governments to be "braver" in delivering major infrastructure projects and "clear eyed" about the risks and benefits AI would bring in advanced economies.