Sadiq Khan Urges UK to Pursue Brexit Reversal Steps Ahead of EU Summit

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has increased pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to begin reversing Brexit, urging him to secure agreements on food and drink standards and a youth mobility scheme at a summit next month. Khan stated in a letter to ministers that such deals would help move the UK toward rejoining the EU and stimulate the economy.

The intervention fuels concerns that the Prime Minister may make significant concessions to foster closer relations with the bloc during the summit in Brussels on November 20. Reports suggest the EU may postpone a push for reduced student fees for UK-based study, potentially setting a six-month deadline for agreement on the issue. This delay is described as a "gift" for Burnham.

In his correspondence to Europe minister Hamish Falconer, Khan outlined areas where he seeks immediate progress, including rejoining the customs union and single market within the current parliamentary term. He believes restoring full EU membership should be a public decision at the next election.

"Rejoining the EU must remain our destination," Khan wrote. "But there are also steps we can and must take now to rebuild our relationship with our European neighbours which would remove barriers to trade, grow our economy and improve living standards in the short-term." He added that these measures, while not fully meeting the nation's economic needs, would serve as "a gesture of good faith and an important signal of intent."

Khan's proposed initiatives also include a scheme for young people to live and work across the EU and UK, often referred to as youth "free movement." Additionally, he supports agreements on musicians touring, the acceptance of EU identity cards for school trips, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications in key sectors.

Prime Minister Burnham has expressed optimism about strengthening ties with the EU, emphasizing the economic benefits of reducing trade friction. He has not ruled out committing to rejoining the EU in the next Labour manifesto and has called for a "serious dialogue about the different options for our relationship in the long term."

These sentiments have been welcomed by pro-European politicians advocating for a reversal of the 2016 referendum decision. However, some Labour members have voiced reservations about revisiting the divisive debates surrounding the UK's EU status.

Earlier this week, EU trade commissioner Maros Šefčovič indicated that the UK would need to contribute to reducing economic and social disparities between member states as part of improving ties. He stressed the vital importance of the UK-EU partnership amid current geopolitical challenges and called for full implementation of the Windsor Framework and trade agreements. Šefčovič also highlighted progress on fisheries, energy, and the Erasmus+ exchange program.