Rachel Reeves, the former chancellor sacked by Andy Burnham, has thrown her weight behind the prime minister’s stance on deepening ties with the European Union, arguing that Brexit has made the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure” and that Britain’s future lies inside the bloc.
In an article for The Sunday Times, Reeves said she welcomed Burnham’s leadership in facing up to the debate on the UK’s future relationship with Europe. “I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union,” she wrote. “Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure.” Reeves stressed it was “incumbent on supporters of our re-entry to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right”.
Reeves was sacked as chancellor when Burnham took office. Her intervention comes as the prime minister prepares for an EU summit this month aimed at sealing agreements on food and drink, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme. Burnham has set out a two-stage approach: initially pursuing changes within the scope of Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which committed to remaining outside the EU’s customs union and single market, and not reinstating freedom of movement, with any more fundamental changes left to after the next election.
Burnham has told ministers it would be inappropriate to advocate for specific options or comment on the likely outcome of the process. The Guardian reported that some ministers, including home secretary Shabana Mahmood, have concerns about the possibility of a revised deal and its impact on migration. Burnham has said he wants an “honest discussion” about freedom of movement and that rejoining the single market could be done without another referendum if Labour puts it in its manifesto, but that fully rejoining the EU would require another in-out vote.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Reeves' backing signals significant support within Labour for re‑examining EU membership, potentially shifting the political debate.
- The outcome of this month’s summit and the longer‑term process could reshape Britain’s trade, migration and regulatory framework.
- Burnham’s two‑stage approach leaves the door open for major changes after the next election, putting the UK‑EU relationship at the centre of future political campaigns.
Background
Rachel Reeves served as chancellor under Sir Keir Starmer until Burnham replaced Starmer as prime minister. She was sacked from the Treasury by Burnham. During her tenure, she argued that Brexit had damaged the UK economy. Burnham has made reforming Brexit a priority, seeking closer ties with the EU while respecting existing manifesto commitments. The UK left the EU in 2020 after the 2016 referendum.
Key Perspectives
- Rachel Reeves (former chancellor): says Brexit has made the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure” and that Britain’s future lies inside the European Union.
- Andy Burnham (prime minister): has warned ministers not to advocate for specific options while pursuing a two‑stage approach; any fundamental change to post‑Brexit arrangements would be put to the public in the next parliament.
- Shabana Mahmood (home secretary): reported to have worries about the possibility of a revised deal and its impact on migration.
What to Watch
- The EU summit later this month: whether agreements on food, drink, emissions trading and youth mobility are sealed.
- Burnham’s plans for the period beyond the summit, including “exploring options” for the long‑term relationship.
- Any further ministerial resignations or public disagreements as the process unfolds.
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 2 sources: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedReeves said, “Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure.”World news | The Guardian: ““Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure,” she said.”
- SupportedReeves said, “I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union.”World news | The Guardian: ““I am proud of the progress we have already made in strengthening our relationship with the European Union. Brexit has made us poorer, weaker and less secure,” she said.”
- SupportedReeves called it “incumbent on supporters of our re-entry to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right”.World news | The Guardian: “In her article, Reeves said it was “incumbent on supporters of our re-entry to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right”.”
- SupportedReeves said Britain’s future lies inside the EU and backed Burnham’s position on deepening ties.The Independent UK: “Although Ms Reeves said she believed “Britain’s future lies in the European Union”, she stressed it was “incumbent on supporters of our re-entry to make the argument, demonstrate tangible benefits and to get the next steps right”.”
- SupportedReeves’s intervention was her first major one since leaving the Treasury.World news | The Guardian: “In her first major intervention since leaving the Treasury when Andy Burnham took office, she said those forging a path back towards EU membership had to make compelling arguments to the public.”
- SupportedBurnham sacked Reeves as chancellor when he took office.World news | The Guardian: “Reeves, who was sacked as chancellor by Burnham, said in an article for the Sunday Times”
- Reports differThe EU summit was due to take place this month.World news | The Guardian: “The current focus for British negotiations is the EU summit later this month”
- SupportedThe summit was aimed at securing deals on food and drink, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme.The Independent UK: “Mr Burnham wants to lock in deals on food and drink, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme at a summit with the bloc next month.”
- SupportedBurnham’s two-stage approach starts with changes within the scope of Labour’s 2024 manifesto, with more substantial changes left until after the next election.World news | The Guardian: “Burnham has set out a two-stage approach to reforming Brexit, beginning with any initial changes that will be within the scope of Labour’s 2024 manifesto”
- SupportedBurnham said there should be an “honest discussion” about freedom of movement, and that rejoining the single market could happen without another referendum if Labour put it in its manifesto; fully rejoining would require another in-out vote.World news | The Guardian: “Burnham has said he believes there should be “honest discussion” about freedom of movement and that rejoining the single market could be done without the need for another referendum, if Labour put it in its manifesto. In contrast, he said fully rejoining would need another in-out poll.”
- SupportedThe Guardian reported that some ministers, including home secretary Shabana Mahmood, were concerned about a revised deal’s impact on migration.World news | The Guardian: “It follows reports that some ministers , including Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, have worries about the possibility of a revised deal and its impact on migration.”