In a significant departure from the party line, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for Labour to commit to rejoining the European Union in its next election manifesto. Speaking to Italian publication La Repubblica, Khan articulated a vision for a five-stage process to reshape the UK’s relationship with the EU, advocating for immediate action on customs and single market membership. His statements come as Labour faces pressure from pro-EU factions and ahead of local elections where the party risks losing ground to the Greens.
A New Direction for Labour?
As the clock ticks towards the general election in 2024, Labour leader Keir Starmer has maintained a cautious stance on the EU, suggesting he does not foresee the UK rejoining during his lifetime. At 63, Starmer’s reluctance to acknowledge the Brexit vote as a mistake has been a defining feature of his leadership. However, Khan’s recent comments signal a potential shift within the party, pushing for a more pronounced pro-European stance at a time when economic repercussions of Brexit are increasingly hard to ignore.
Khan’s proposition of rejoining the EU is not just a theoretical exercise; he argues that the economic, social, and cultural damages inflicted by Brexit are palpable in London. “I see on a daily basis the damage Brexit has done to not just London, but Londoners,” Khan stated. He outlined a clear roadmap for Labour, advocating for immediate alignment with EU regulations and a commitment to rejoin the customs union and single market within the current parliamentary term.
The Five-Stage Proposal
Khan’s five-stage proposal includes the following steps:
1. **Resetting Relations with the EU**: Acknowledging the need to mend ties, Khan believes Labour has already made progress here.
2. **Closer Alignment**: He asserts that the chancellor has signalled a willingness to pursue closer alignment with EU regulations, diverging only in exceptional circumstances.
3. **Rejoining the Customs Union**: Khan insists that Labour should aim to rejoin the customs union during this parliament, stating that “any trade agreement is less good than the customs union.”
4. **Rejoining the Single Market**: Khan argues for a commitment to rejoin the single market as a critical step towards restoring the UK’s economic standing.
5. **Election Manifesto Commitment**: Finally, Khan asserts that Labour should campaign on a clear manifesto promise to rejoin the EU, eliminating the need for a second referendum.
Despite the boldness of his proposals, the likelihood of Starmer embracing this plan appears slim. However, Khan’s intervention may be an astute move to galvanise support ahead of local elections, particularly in London, where Labour faces a formidable challenge from the Greens, who have positioned themselves as a staunchly anti-Brexit alternative.
The Political Landscape
The backdrop to Khan’s comments is a political landscape fraught with uncertainty. While Labour has gradually begun to acknowledge the economic fallout of Brexit, the party remains firm on its red lines, explicitly ruling out customs union or single market membership in its 2024 manifesto. The Liberal Democrats, a more overtly pro-EU party, also remain non-committal about the timeline for any potential rejoining, wary of the protracted negotiations that could ensue.
Khan’s remarks may not only be an attempt to influence Labour’s internal discussions but could also reflect a broader shift in public sentiment regarding Brexit. As the economic realities become increasingly evident, policies once dismissed as radical may begin to gain traction among both politicians and voters.
Why it Matters
Khan’s push for a pro-EU stance within Labour is significant not only for the party’s future but also for the UK’s position on the global stage. As economic challenges mount and the repercussions of Brexit continue to unfold, a shift towards re-engagement with Europe may resonate with voters disillusioned by the current trajectory. This evolving debate could redefine Labour’s identity as it prepares for the forthcoming elections, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the UK for years to come.
