Title: Sir John Curtice: Why Labour's Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared at her Mais lecture on Tuesday that "Brexit did deep damage," a statement that underscores a significant evolution in the Labour Party’s stance on the issue—a shift that government officials have been hinting at for some time. Reeves addressed European partners directly, asserting that "This government believes a deeper relationship is in the interest of the whole of Europe," while simultaneously clarifying that the administration does not intend to "turn back the clock" on the departure.

This overt discussion of Brexit’s negative impacts appears driven by the government’s desire to revitalize the UK’s stagnant economic performance. To achieve this, ministers believe they must be more aggressive in "resetting" the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit ties with the EU. Labour’s 2024 election manifesto had outlined a plan to renegotiate the Trade and Co-operation Agreement negotiated by Boris Johnson in 2020. Specifically, the party aimed to eliminate EU customs checks on British food and agricultural exports by harmonizing regulatory standards with those of the EU. However, the manifesto maintained strict boundaries: no rejoining the single market, no return to the customs union, and no freedom of movement. There was absolutely no mention of the possibility of rejoining the European Union itself.

This cautious approach was largely a response to Labour’s crushing defeat in the 2019 election. Following that loss, the party accepted the outcome of leaving the EU and voted in favor of Johnson’s agreement. Yet, the rhetoric has been softening. Shortly after the autumn Budget, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that "Brexit had significantly hurt our economy" and argued that Britain needed to "keep moving towards a close relationship with the EU." While the manifesto’s red lines ostensibly remained in place, Starmer’s comments suggested a growing realization that reversing economic decline required a more ambitious strategy for resetting relations.

Some ministers have gone even further in their critique. In October, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking at a literary festival, expressed relief that Brexit is now a problem whose name can be openly discussed, implying that being outside the EU hinders the government’s ability to deliver promised economic growth. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy similarly noted in a podcast that it is "self-evident" Brexit has harmed the economy, citing the economic advantages Turkey has gained from its customs agreement with the EU.

Pressure within Labour to reconsider its Brexit policy is also evident from external figures. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on Wednesday for the UK to rejoin the EU customs union and single market before the next election, with the intention of campaigning on a pledge to fully rejoin the EU. In contrast, Reeves reaffirmed on Tuesday that Labour’s manifesto red lines remain intact, yet she signaled a clear strategic pivot. In her lecture, she indicated a willingness to align UK regulations with EU standards in additional areas where it serves Britain’s interest, describing such alignment as crucial for achieving the economic growth promised in the 2024 campaign but so far unfulfilled.

The economic backdrop to these debates shows modest improvement: the economy grew by 1.3% in 2025, up from 1.1% in 2024, though this still falls short of the official forecast of 1.5%. These developments carry political weight beyond mere economics. The central question is whether pursuing closer EU ties risks alienating Brexit-supporting voters and leading to electoral disaster, or if the political landscape has fundamentally changed, making a tactical shift on Brexit politically advantageous for Labour.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-03-20 00:01:51 UTC