London Mayor Demands Labour’s Bold EU Commitment Ahead of 2029 Election
Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has issued a striking call for the Labour Party to pledge rejoining the European Union in the next general election. He insists the UK must also re-enter the customs union and single market before the anticipated 2029 poll to reverse the detrimental effects of Brexit.
Rejoining the EU: An Inevitable Path, Says Khan
In a candid interview with la Repubblica, the Italian newspaper, Sadiq Khan described Brexit’s fallout as “economic, social, and cultural damage” inflicted not only on London but across the UK. He highlighted how external pressures like US tariffs and geopolitical turmoil in Iran have further deepened the cost-of-living crisis.
“The facts have changed. The evidence has changed,” Khan asserted. “I think it’s inevitable, the direction of travel at some stage we’re going to rejoin the European Union.” While he stopped short of explicitly endorsing a second referendum, Khan hinted the UK could rejoin the EU without one.
Government Resistance and Conservative Criticism
Downing Street continues to reject re-entry into the customs union or single market, maintaining a hardline post-Brexit stance. The Conservative Party swiftly attacked Khan’s proposal, claiming it reflects Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer being “in office but not in power.” A Conservative spokesperson criticized Labour’s fractured leadership, accusing figures like Ed Miliband and Angela Rayner of overriding Starmer’s authority on foreign and immigration policies.
“Only Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives are serious about cutting welfare, cutting taxes and getting Britain working again,” the spokesperson added.
Calls for a Softer Asylum Policy
Beyond EU rejoining, Khan also advocated for a more compassionate approach to the government’s planned asylum reforms, which face growing opposition within Labour ranks. Echoing Angela Rayner’s recent condemnation of tougher migrant settlement rules as “un-British” and a “breach of trust,” Khan urged the next Labour government to heed the concerns of himself, Rayner, Andy Burnham, and others.
“We want people, if they come here, to properly contribute, to integrate and get involved,” Khan emphasized.
Mixed Reactions Across Political Spectrum
Reform UK dismissed any potential EU reintegration, pledging to reverse such moves after the next election. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski lamented Brexit’s social, cultural, and economic disasters, expressing hope to see the UK rejoin the EU someday. He criticized Brexit proponents like Nigel Farage for claiming to fix problems they helped create.
The Liberal Democrats echoed the call for urgent action to repair Brexit’s economic damage by joining a customs union, framing it as essential to boost the economy, alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, and increase public service funding.
Sir John Major Highlights Brexit’s Economic Toll
In a keynote speech at King’s College London, former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major condemned Brexit for failing to deliver promised benefits, estimating an annual loss of £100 billion in European trade and £40 billion in tax revenue. He warned Brexit has left the UK isolated and vulnerable but dismissed prospects of full EU rejoining in the near future.
“Economic wellbeing tells us we should re-build relationships with our closest neighbours as swiftly and as comprehensively as possible,” Major concluded.
Key Political Developments
- PM Starmer rejects EU customs union despite internal Labour debate
- EU Commissioner signals openness to UK customs union discussions
- Post-Brexit trade deal tensions continue to shape UK-EU relations
