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

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a stark message regarding the legacy of the UK’s departure from the European Union in her Mais lecture on Tuesday, stating plainly that “Brexit did deep damage.” This declaration underscores a notable evolution within the Labour Party, a direction government officials have been hinting at for some time. While Reeves assured European partners and allies that the new administration seeks a deeper relationship for the benefit of all Europe, she simultaneously clarified that the government is not attempting to reverse Brexit.

This overt acknowledgment of Brexit’s perceived negative impacts appears to stem from the government’s determination to address the UK’s stagnant economic performance. To achieve this, ministers believe a more ambitious strategy to “reset” the post-Brexit relationship with the EU is essential.

Labour’s 2024 election manifesto had previously outlined a specific approach to renegotiating the Trade and Co-operation Agreement negotiated by Boris Johnson. The plan included aligning British regulations for food and agricultural products with EU standards to eliminate customs checks on exports. However, the manifesto established firm boundaries: there would be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement, nor any suggestion of rejoining the EU itself. This cautious posture was largely a reaction to the party’s crushing defeat in the 2019 general election, after which Labour accepted the Brexit decision and voted in favor of the Johnson-era deal.

Nevertheless, the party’s rhetoric has been hardening. Following the autumn Budget, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asserted that Brexit had “significantly hurt our economy” and emphasized the need to continue moving toward a close EU relationship. While the manifesto’s red lines remained technically intact, Starmer’s comments implied a growing conviction that revitalizing the UK’s ailing economy requires a more proactive approach to resetting ties.

Several ministers have gone even further in their criticism. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking at a literary festival in October, expressed satisfaction that “Brexit” is no longer a taboo subject, arguing that remaining outside the EU hinders the economic growth the government has pledged. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy echoed these sentiments in a podcast, describing the economic harm of Brexit as “self-evident” and highlighting the financial advantages Turkey has gained through its customs agreement with the EU.

Internal pressure to rethink Brexit policy is also evident. On Wednesday, London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged the UK to rejoin the EU single market and customs union prior to the next election, with a commitment to campaign for full EU membership at that ballot. Conversely, while Chancellor Reeves reaffirmed on Tuesday that the manifesto’s red lines remain in place, her Mais lecture signaled a distinct shift in strategy. She indicated a willingness to align UK regulations with those of the EU in additional areas whenever it serves Britain’s interest, viewing such alignment as crucial to delivering the economic growth promised during the 2024 campaign—a goal that has so far largely eluded the government.

Recent data shows the economy expanded by 1.3% in 2025, an uptick from the 1.1% growth recorded in 2024, though this still falls short of official forecasts of 1.5%.

These policy adjustments carry significant political weight as well. The question arises whether pursuing closer EU ties risks alienating pro-Brexit voters and causing electoral disaster, or if the political landscape has shifted enough to make a change in tack strategically sensible for Labour.

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