London mayor urges Labour to commit to future EU membership

Sadiq Khan has called on the Labour Party to adopt a clear pledge to rejoin the European Union ahead of the next UK general election, intensifying debate over Britain’s long-term relationship with the bloc. In remarks that diverge from the current government line, the London mayor said rejoining the EU was ultimately “inevitable” and argued that steps towards closer economic integration should begin before voters next go to the polls.

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In an interview with the Italian newspaper la Repubblica, Khan said the UK should seek to rejoin both the EU customs union and single market within the current parliamentary term, which is expected to run until 2029.

Push for closer ties with Europe

He pointed to what he described as the economic, social and cultural consequences of Brexit, adding that more recent global pressures — including US tariffs and the war involving Iran — had compounded the cost-of-living challenges facing households.

“The facts have changed. The evidence has changed,” Khan said, suggesting that the UK’s long-term trajectory would lead back towards EU membership.

However, he stopped short of explicitly stating whether such a move would require another public referendum.

Government rejects shift

Downing Street has repeatedly ruled out rejoining either the customs union or the single market, maintaining that the government’s position on Brexit remains unchanged.

Khan’s intervention drew swift criticism from political opponents. A spokesperson for the Conservative Party said the comments highlighted divisions within Labour, arguing that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was “in office but not in power”.

The statement also referenced other senior Labour figures, including Angela Rayner, suggesting policymaking was being driven by multiple voices within the party.

Wider political debate

Khan also voiced support for reconsidering aspects of the government’s proposed asylum measures, aligning himself with other Labour figures who have raised concerns about stricter migration policies.

His comments come amid broader political disagreement over Brexit’s long-term impact. Critics across parties have argued that leaving the EU has harmed the UK economy, while supporters continue to back independence from European institutions.

John Major recently said Brexit had failed to deliver on key promises, though he added that full re-entry to the EU was unlikely in the near term.

Other political voices have taken varied positions. The Green Party has expressed support for eventual rejoining, while Reform UK has said it would oppose any move to re-enter European economic structures.

Long-term outlook uncertain

Khan’s remarks highlight growing debate over whether the UK should revisit its post-Brexit arrangements, particularly as economic pressures and geopolitical tensions evolve.

While there is no immediate shift in government policy, the issue is likely to remain a point of contention in the run-up to the next general election, with differing visions emerging across the political spectrum.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 March 2026

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