Rachel Reeves, former UK chancellor, has publicly advocated for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union, arguing that Brexit has left the country economically weaker and less secure. In a recent commentary, Reeves expressed support for Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s initiative to reconsider Britain’s relationship with the EU, marking a notable departure from Labour’s official 2024 election manifesto, which rules out re-entry into the Union.

Reeves emphasized the need for a pragmatic discussion about the UK’s future in Europe, applauding Burnham for reopening the debate. She called on her party to make a clear case for returning to the EU, highlighting benefits such as the recently negotiated youth mobility scheme and potential progress towards the SAFE defence partnership. Although Reeves did not specify a timeline for rejoining or address whether a referendum would be necessary to override the 2016 Brexit vote, she affirmed her belief that Britain’s long-term future lies within the EU.

Burnham, who became prime minister over the summer, has introduced a spectrum of options regarding closer ties with the EU. These range from full membership or rejoining the single market and customs union to maintaining the current post-Brexit arrangement. His openness to revisiting EU free movement rules has sparked internal divisions within Labour and drew criticism from opposition parties including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

The upcoming UK-EU summit on November 20 is expected to see confirmation of a deal allowing up to 80,000 young Europeans annually to work, live, and study in the UK, under a reciprocal youth free-movement agreement. Burnham has indicated that he will provide more detail on potential paths for European engagement alongside this deal, while urging cabinet ministers to refrain from publicly endorsing specific options to preserve collective responsibility.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also underscored the importance of a strong Europe and the UK’s central role in European security, though he stopped short of endorsing a return to EU membership. In his public remarks, Starmer called for Britain to remain connected to the continent, particularly in defense matters.

Reeves, who left the Treasury in July, will deliver a public lecture at Harvard Kennedy School titled “Reconciling credibility and radicalism in an age of populism.” Ahead of her speech, she defended her budgetary record, acknowledging past mistakes without detailing them, and urged current ministers to accelerate reforms in infrastructure and housing. She criticized existing environmental regulations and judicial review processes, saying they contribute to a culture of risk aversion that delays construction projects.

Her intervention comes amid ongoing debates within the government on immigration policy, including proposals to extend the waiting period for permanent settled status, with potential exemptions for certain workers such as those in social care.

Reeves’s remarks signal growing momentum within parts of the Labour Party to revisit Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, reflecting wider national debates as the government prepares for key EU negotiations later this month.