Sadiq Khan Advocates for Labour's EU Rejoin Pledge in Next Election
Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has publicly called for the Labour Party to include a clear commitment to rejoining the European Union in its manifesto for the upcoming general election. In a recent interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Khan emphasized that Brexit has inflicted significant harm on the British economy over the past six years since the UK's departure from the bloc.
From Customs Union to Full Rejoin
While Khan has previously supported Labour reentering the customs union and single market with the EU, his latest remarks represent a more assertive stance. He stated, 'We should, as a Labour Party, fight the next general election with a clear manifesto commitment, a vote for Labour means we would rejoin the European Union. I think it's inevitable.' Notably, Khan suggested this move could proceed without a second referendum, streamlining the process.
Economic and Political Rationale
Khan's intervention follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighting a closer EU relationship as a key growth opportunity in her Mais Lecture. Reeves remarked, 'Britain's future prosperity will not be built in isolation, but through partnerships with those who share our interests, share our values, and share our ambitions. And no partnership is more important than that between the UK and our European neighbours.' However, Labour's 2024 manifesto explicitly ruled out returning to the customs union, single market, or freedom of movement, aiming to avoid past divisions.
Downing Street has since reinforced these as 'red lines' on EU policy, despite Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy hinting at potential changes in a podcast last December. Lammy acknowledged Brexit's economic damage, calling it 'self-evident' and a source of 'serious friction,' though he clarified rejoining a customs union is not current policy.
Khan's Strategic Timing
Sources close to Khan reveal two primary factors behind his timing: economic data and political shifts. Research indicates London's economy would have grown by an additional 10% without Brexit, underscoring the city's disproportionate impact. Politically, Donald Trump's actions, including the war in Iran and erratic tariff policies, are cited as undermining arguments for US trade deals as reliable alternatives. A Khan associate noted the US is 'not a reliable partner,' challenging previous government claims about individual trade agreements with the US and India.
In her lecture, Reeves acknowledged such deals as 'extremely welcome and beneficial' but insufficient, stating, 'No trade deal with any individual nation can outweigh the importance of our relationship to a bloc with which we share a land border, with which our supply chains are closely intertwined, and it accounts for almost half our trade.'
Beyond Rule-Taking
Khan's push for full rejoining, rather than partial integration, stems from a desire to avoid the UK being a 'rule taker.' He analogized, 'It's like you being a member of a tennis club paying your dues, and then somebody else comes along and uses the court whatever they likes, and they're not a member. That's not fair. And so don't be surprised if those that were in the tennis club ask for additional fees. Why pay additional fees? Why not be part of the club?'
Broader Political Context
Khan also addressed recent controversies, criticizing shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy's comments about Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square as an 'act of domination.' Khan expressed heartbreak and anger, noting Trafalgar Square has hosted various religious festivals. He added, 'I can understand why many British Muslims are scared by somebody who is so senior, who wants to be the Lord Chancellor, saying what he said. But worryingly, his leader, somebody wants to be the prime minister, Kemi Badenoch, think it is British values to single out Muslims. It is British values to respect each other.'
This development highlights ongoing debates within Labour and broader political circles about the UK's post-Brexit trajectory, with Khan positioning EU reintegration as a critical economic and strategic imperative.
