Sadiq Khan Advocates Labour's Pledge to Rejoin the EU
Sir Sadiq Khan has urged the Labour Party to enter the next general election with a commitment to rejoin the European Union.
The Mayor of London also stated that the government should re-enter the customs union and single market prior to the forthcoming general election, anticipated in 2029.
Downing Street has consistently maintained that the government will not rejoin either the customs union or the single market.
The Conservative Party responded to the mayor's statements by suggesting they indicate Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is "in office but not in power."
Interview with la Repubblica Highlights Rejoining EU as Inevitable
In an interview with the Italian newspaper la Repubblica, Sir Sadiq described rejoining the EU as "inevitable" and implied—without explicitly stating—that the UK might rejoin without holding another referendum.
"I see on a daily basis the damage Brexit has done to not just London, but Londoners, the damage economically, socially and culturally,"
he said, adding that US tariffs and the conflict in Iran have exacerbated the cost of living.
"The facts have changed. The evidence has changed... I think it's inevitable, the direction of travel at some stage we're going to rejoin the European Union."
Conservative Party Criticizes Labour Leadership and Khan's Position
A Conservative Party spokesman commented:
"Keir Starmer is in office but not in power. Ed Miliband is deciding foreign policy, Angela Rayner is deciding immigration policy, and now Sadiq Khan is deciding EU policy. Only Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives are serious about cutting welfare, cutting taxes and getting Britain working again."
Khan Supports Rethink on Asylum Policy Amid Labour Concerns
Sir Sadiq also expressed support for reconsidering aspects of the government's planned asylum crackdown, which has faced increasing opposition from some Labour MPs.
On Tuesday, Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner described proposals to make it more difficult for migrants already in the UK to settle permanently as "un-British" and a "breach of trust."
The London mayor stated:
"We want people, if they come here, to properly contribute, to integrate and get involved. I would hope that the Labour government would listen to myself, Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and many others who have expressed concerns."
Reactions from Other Political Figures
Regarding the prospect of rejoining the EU, a Reform UK spokesman said:
"After the next election, Reform will reverse any attempt to drag us back into the single market and customs union."
Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized Brexit as "a disaster socially, culturally, economically" and stated in a speech earlier on Wednesday:
"One day I do want to see us rejoin."
He added:
"Nigel Farage has chutzpah to return to the stage and say 'things are disastrous, and I'm the person to fix it'."
Sir John Major Highlights Brexit's Economic Impact and Calls for Rebuilding EU Relations
In a speech at King's College London on Wednesday evening, former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major stated that Brexit had "failed to deliver its many promises" and was causing an annual loss of "£100 billion of European trade and £40 billion of tax revenue."
He further remarked that Brexit was "doing enormous damage to the lives and livelihoods of the British people – and their future" and had "left the UK more solitary and vulnerable."
"I do not believe we can fully rejoin the European Union in the near future,"
Sir John said.
"But economic wellbeing tells us we should re-build relationships with our closest neighbours as swiftly and as comprehensively as possible."
The Liberal Democrats have been contacted for comment.
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