London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union, stating that the impact of Brexit is visible “every day”.
“I see the damage Brexit has caused not only to London, but to Londoners. Economic, social and cultural damage,” Khan said, adding that a return to the EU is “inevitable at some point”.
He also argued that recent developments, including US tariffs and the war in Iran, have worsened the cost-of-living crisis.
Call for policy shift from Labour
Khan urged the governing Labour Party to include a return to the EU in its next election manifesto.
He said the government should aim to rejoin both the customs union and the single market before the next general election, expected in 2029. The UK Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that there are no such plans.
Khan made the remarks in an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, excerpts of which have been widely reported in the British press.
Broader political support for closer EU ties
Khan is not alone in advocating closer ties with the EU.
A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, the third-largest party in the UK Parliament and traditionally the most pro-European, said the government should “stop being so timid” and begin repairing the economic damage caused by what they described as the Conservatives’ “disastrous Brexit deal”, starting with joining a customs union.
Green Party co-leader Zak Polanski also described Brexit as “a social, cultural and economic disaster”, stating in a recent speech that he hopes the UK will one day “reunite” with the EU.
Major criticises economic impact
Former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major also acknowledged the shortcomings of Brexit in a speech at King’s College London.
He said Brexit had “failed to deliver on many of its promises” and estimated that it costs the UK economy £100 billion annually due to reduced trade with Europe, alongside £40 billion in lost tax revenues.
Major added that Brexit has caused “significant damage to the lives and livelihoods of the British people”, leaving the country “more isolated and vulnerable”.
Rebuilding ties seen as economic priority
While expressing doubts about a full return to EU membership in the near future, Major argued that rebuilding relations with European partners is essential.
“Our economic wellbeing requires us to rebuild relations with our closest neighbours as soon as possible and as fully as possible,” he said, adding that this would help address the cost-of-living crisis and generate additional revenue for public services.
Source: CNA