Rachel Reeves, a prominent Labour MP and former Chancellor, has voiced strong support for a closer relationship between the UK and the European Union, suggesting that Brussels is a more natural and important ally for Britain than the United States, particularly under a potential Donald Trump administration.
In a speech delivered at Harvard University, Reeves stated that the "geopolitical centre of gravity" is shifting away from the U.S. She argued that Britain must re-establish the EU as its primary political partner to secure its future.
"I profoundly disagree with Mr. Trump's choices that have made America's allies poorer," Reeves said, referencing actions such as arbitrary tariffs and the administration's stance on the conflict in Ukraine. She emphasized that "you don't get stronger by weakening your allies." Reeves elaborated on the UK's potential alignment with Europe, stating, "For Britain, there's obvious economic interests, common values, and basic geography which all point towards Europe."
Reeves also reiterated her recent assertion that "Britain's future lies inside the European Union." She presented the EU as the "single biggest opportunity to boost living standards and generate the revenue to invest in public services, but also deepening our security." Citing estimates that place the cost of Brexit at up to 8 percent of GDP, or £200 billion, she called it "not serious" for any political plan to ignore such economic realities.
She indicated that a Labour government would aim to convince both the British public and the EU, which she described as "serious and open to compromise," to deepen ties. Reeves highlighted recent efforts by Labour to rebuild relations with the EU, including advocating for the return of the Erasmus student exchange program, contributions to Ukraine support loans, and plans for a revised Youth Mobility Scheme to facilitate easier entry for young Britons to the UK for employment. She pointed to an upcoming EU-UK Summit as a crucial opportunity for Britain to present its case.
Reeves' current stance contrasts with remarks made in 2025, when she expressed a more positive view of Trump's "boosterism" and suggested the UK needed "more positivity." The Daily Mail noted that Andy Burnham, another Labour figure, has clarified that he has not proposed the return of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU, despite recent discussions about deepening ties.
Burnham has called for an "honest discussion" about migration patterns since Brexit, suggesting that temporary migration from Europe has been replaced by long-term settlement in larger numbers, potentially increasing illegal migration due to reduced data sharing with European partners. He has stated that public opinion has shifted on Brexit issues since the 2016 referendum, but he would not act ahead of public consensus. Draft texts for potential deals on food and agriculture, emissions trading, and a youth mobility scheme have reportedly been circulated among EU members.