Overview
- Reeves wrote in the Sunday Times that she believes "Britain's future lies in the European Union" and that Brexit has left the UK "poorer, weaker and less secure."
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened a formal review of the UK‑EU relationship and told ministers that any fundamental change must be decided by the public or the next parliament as he seeks sectoral deals at the Nov. 20 summit in Brussels.
- Reeves helped write Labour's 2024 manifesto, which ruled out rejoining the EU, and she was sacked as chancellor by Burnham, making her public shift politically consequential inside the party.
- An Ipsos poll reported by several outlets shows rising support for rejoining the EU, with 56% backing re‑entry overall and 63% among likely referendum voters, strengthening the argument of pro‑EU figures.
- Any move to reverse or materially change Brexit would require lengthy negotiations on trade, customs, regulation and free movement and would likely need an election mandate or a referendum; immediate items to watch at the summit include a youth mobility deal and progress on SAFE defence partnership.