Rachel Reeves

Rachel Reeves

Labour — Leeds West and Pudsey

Speaking in the House of Commons on 23 June 2026

Debate

UK-EU Economic Co-operation

Contribution

At a time of great global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we deepen ties with our closest allies and biggest trading partners, whose values we share, and whose interests are bound to ours. It is 10 years today since the Brexit referendum, but the economic impact from the deal negotiated by the previous Government is stark. Indeed, recent studies indicate that its impact could be as great as an 8% reduction in GDP. I have worked closely with my counterparts across the EU as part of this Government’s commitment to resetting the UK-EU relationship, most recently at meetings of the G7 in Paris, and meetings with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Riga. They have been clear that they would welcome closer ties, which will be in all our interests. At the upcoming UK-EU summit, we hope to be able to conclude deals on food and agrifood, on linking to the EU emissions trading schemes, and on an ambitious youth mobility scheme.

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