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Sadiq Khan Urges Labour to Pledge EU Return, Downing Street Rebuffs Call

The intervention spurred party debate, with the government sticking to its manifesto commitment not to rejoin the customs union or single market.

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 9 : British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves talks to the media with the Irish Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, President of the Eurogroup (Unseen) during an Eurogroup Ministers meeting in the Europa, the EU Council headquarter on December 9, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. As part of a series of exchanges with key international partners on global economic developments, the Eurogroup will hold a discussion with Rachel Reeves, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Sadiq Khan told Italy’s La Repubblica that rejoining the EU is “inevitable” and urged Labour to promise membership at the next election, proposing re-entry to the customs union and single market during this parliament.
  • Downing Street rejected the proposal and reiterated the government’s red lines for this parliament, saying it will not rejoin the customs union, the single market or restore freedom of movement.
  • Khan suggested a clear manifesto pledge could deliver reversal without a second referendum, arguing Brexit has damaged London economically, socially and culturally.
  • Senior Labour figures have recently advocated closer alignment with EU rules where it serves the national interest, but internal divisions resurfaced as Red Wall MPs warned against reviving the Brexit battle.
  • Government policy remains focused on sectoral talks with the EU, including agrifood, electricity trading and youth mobility, even as polling cited by Politico shows more Britons now support rejoining than oppose.