Politics · United Kingdom · 1 hr ago
Labour minister says all options are open for closer EU ties
Labour minister Emma Reynolds said all options are open for the UK’s future relationship with the European Union.
She said a closer relationship could avoid some of the economic damage she associated with the current arrangement.
The government has not confirmed plans for another referendum, despite speculation among senior Labour figures that the party may pursue rejoining the EU.
Former chancellor Rachel Reeves also criticised Brexit, saying it had made the UK poorer, weaker and less secure.
A UK-EU summit is due later this month, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to set out options that are expected to include joining the single market or customs union, or rejoining the EU.
The options could bring major changes to how the UK works with the bloc, but the sources do not say what the government will choose or whether voters would get a say.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said all options were on the table for the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
Reynolds said there were arguments for a much closer relationship with the bloc that would be less economically damaging.
Her comments came ahead of a UK-EU summit where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to set out options for a new relationship.
The options are expected to include joining the single market and customs union, as well as rejoining the EU.
The Daily Mail reported speculation that Labour could pursue a Rejoin campaign or another referendum, but the article did not report a decision to do so.
- Who
- Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds spoke about the UK’s relationship with the EU.
- What
- She said all options were on the table, including a much closer relationship with the EU.
- When
- Sunday, according to the article.
- Where
- The UK; the article does not state where Reynolds made her comments.
- Why
- A UK-EU summit was approaching, and the Prime Minister was expected to set out options for a new relationship.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rachel Reeves was ousted from No11, according to the article.
Andy Burnham suggested a referendum would be needed to revive free movement within the EU.
Emma Reynolds said all options were on the table for the UK’s relationship with the EU.
A UK-EU summit is expected to take place, where the Prime Minister plans to set out options for a new relationship.
- Speaker
- Emma Reynolds, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
- EU summit
- Expected later this month
- Possible options
- Single market and customs union membership, or rejoining the EU
- Former chancellor
- Rachel Reeves
- Potential annual spending
- Up to £450 million for discounted university fees for EU students
What people are saying
I don't want to get ahead of the Prime Minister setting out those options, but I think all of those options are on the table.
There are arguments for certainly a much closer relationship with the European Union that isn't as economically damaging.
poorer, weaker and less secure
future lies in the EU