Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has reiterated his support for improving UK-EU relations, calling Brexit a “mistake” and advocating for closer ties with the European Union.
In a meeting with EU and UK ambassadors, Khan emphasized the need for collaboration on shared challenges such as trade, security, environmental issues, and the rise of populism. He also renewed his backing for a youth mobility scheme, which would allow individuals under 30 to live, work, and study in both the UK and EU for a fixed period.
Khan argued that such a scheme would boost economic growth in London and provide young people with valuable opportunities to gain international experience. However, the proposal has faced resistance from Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which has rejected the idea despite its broader efforts to reset UK-EU relations following years of post-Brexit tensions.
The Mayor also highlighted the importance of strengthening UK-EU ties in light of recent global developments, particularly the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Trump’s threats to impose steep tariffs on imports, including steel and aluminium, have raised concerns about a potential trade war and its impact on the global economy. Khan suggested that closer alignment with the EU could serve as a counterweight to these trends and help safeguard the UK’s economic interests.
Khan’s comments come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares for his first face-to-face meeting with Trump since the latter’s re-election. The UK government is reportedly hoping to secure an exemption from any new tariffs, but Khan’s remarks underscore the broader need for the UK to deepen its relationship with the EU in the face of an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.
The Mayor’s call for closer alignment with the EU, including potential re-entry into the single market and customs union, reflects his long-standing position on the benefits of European integration. While the Labour government has ruled out rejoining the EU, Khan’s advocacy for a youth mobility scheme and stronger ties with Europe highlights the ongoing debate over the UK’s post-Brexit future and its role on the international stage.
As the UK navigates its relationship with both the EU and the US, Khan’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether the government will heed his calls for closer alignment with Europe remains to be seen, but the Mayor’s stance underscores the importance of fostering cooperation and unity in an increasingly fragmented world.
