Raise Rejoin at Labour’s National Policy Forum

Another Europe is Possible have taken the opportunity to make the following submission calling for Labour to commit to rejoining the European Union.

The submission is below, and given that it is no longer possible to view and support other’s submissions, if you agree, you should submit a similar one.

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A proposal on relations with the European Union

With regard to the facts that,

1. the referendum to leave the European Union occurred in 2016; there have been three general elections since
2. the European Union remains the UK’s largest trading partner
3. the office of budget responsibility calculates that Brexit has cost the UK economy £140 billion
4. sustainable and managed trade is an important driver of GDP growth
5. the UK’s relationship with the European union is defined by the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor framework and the Future Trade and Cooperation agreement
6. the EU has raised eight complaints under the withdrawal agreement on trade compliance and the treatment of EU citizens resident in the UK

We conclude that

1. the mandate to leave the European Union has been superseded
2. Brexit and the terms negotiated by the Johnson administration have failed.

In the light of this Labour’s Policy should be,

1. In the short term
   1. implement in good faith the UK’s obligations under the Brexit treaties while seeking a closer relationship with the EU
   2. build on the Lancaster House summit to improve defence, trade, cultural, and judicial co-operation
   3. rejoin the EU customs union and the single market, as soon as possible through negotiation with our European partners
2. In its next general election manifesto, to commit to rejoin the European Union

3rd June 2025