Sadiq Khan slams Brexit and Donald Trump as he pushes for Britain to rejoin EU

Sadiq Khan is calling for Britain to rebuild its relationship with the European Union and eventually rejoin it. He argues that closer European ties could reduce economic damage, improve security and support living standards. His immediate proposals are practical steps short of full membership.

Khan wants agreements that remove food and drink trade barriers, helping British exporters and potentially limiting supermarket price rises. He also proposes shared energy arrangements, including emissions trading, a youth mobility scheme and an agreement supporting touring musicians. These measures would make cross-border business and travel easier.

The Mayor of London says rejoining the EU is the only long-term route to prosperity and security. However, he wants action now rather than waiting for membership negotiations. His call follows Andy Burnham’s support for closer EU trade links and comes before a planned UK-EU summit on November 20.

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union after a public vote to leave. The EU is a political and economic grouping whose members share close trading arrangements and common institutions. Leaving meant Britain no longer had the same membership-based relationship with those countries.

The article focuses on the practical consequences. Britain’s ties with the EU became less close, and food and drink companies faced trade barriers. The article also discusses the need for new agreements covering energy, young people and touring musicians. These proposals show areas where Brexit created or exposed friction.

The political debate is now about how far Britain should repair that relationship. Khan calls Brexit catastrophic and wants eventual EU membership. The Prime Minister says the current status quo is not good enough, while insisting that the public will be the “boss” during any renegotiation.

Trade barriers make it harder or more expensive for companies to sell goods across borders. Removing them between Britain and the EU could simplify food and drink exports, reduce delays and lower some business costs. Khan says this would help British exporters and limit supermarket price rises.

The mechanism is straightforward. When firms face fewer border obstacles, they can reach customers more reliably and spend less time and money handling trade requirements. Lower costs may support sales, investment and hiring. If businesses become more competitive, workers and consumers could benefit through jobs, wages or more stable prices.

These effects are possible outcomes of the agreements Khan proposes, not guaranteed results. The article says closer relations would grow the economy, create jobs and improve living standards. It also reports that the Prime Minister believes proposed UK-EU deals could add £10 billion a year to the British economy.

The article describes a substantial economic impact from Brexit. City Hall-commissioned research estimates that London’s economy is £30 billion smaller than it would have been without Brexit. That comparison measures the estimated difference between London’s actual economy and a projected alternative without Brexit.

The same analysis says Londoners are nearly £3,400 worse off on average. Newer City Hall work gives a broader warning: Britain’s economic gap with comparable EU economies could reach £250 billion by 2030. Together, these figures suggest both a current regional cost and a possible future national shortfall.

These are estimates, not direct cash losses received by every person. Their importance lies in showing the scale Khan attributes to weaker EU ties. He says closer relations could mitigate damage, improve productivity and unlock growth. The Prime Minister separately says deals under discussion could provide a £10 billion-a-year boost.

The article presents European cooperation as both an economic and security issue. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has entered its fifth winter, while Donald Trump is described as ambivalent about European security. These pressures make dependable cooperation among European neighbours more important.

The key mechanism is shared resilience. If the United States becomes less predictable as an ally, European countries may need stronger relationships with one another. Cooperation can help them respond to security threats and economic disruption. Khan connects this geopolitical need with Britain’s decision to distance itself from the EU.

Khan says Europe offers Britain a safe harbour and a major opportunity for growth. He argues that rebuilding EU relations would strengthen the UK geopolitically during global uncertainty. The article also mentions conflict in Iran and rising prices, which Khan says make the costs of weaker ties clearer.

Khan’s short-term alternative is a set of targeted agreements with the EU. They would not amount to immediate rejoining, but they could repair parts of the relationship. He says Britain should act now while keeping EU membership as its long-term destination.

His proposals cover several everyday areas. A food and drink agreement would remove trade barriers for exporters. An energy pact, including emissions trading, could help lower household and business costs. A youth mobility scheme would support movement by young people, while a musicians’ agreement would help touring performers work across borders.

These ideas reflect the article’s wider argument that practical cooperation can deliver benefits before any major constitutional change. Khan says the agreements could remove trade barriers, grow the economy and improve living standards in the short term. The Government is also preparing for a UK-EU summit on November 20.

Trade agreements and shared markets reduce economic friction by making it easier for businesses to sell across borders. They can remove or simplify barriers, align processes and improve access to customers. This matters because extra costs and delays can discourage trade, investment and expansion.

For example, fewer food and drink barriers could help British exporters reach EU buyers more efficiently. Businesses may spend less on border requirements and face fewer disruptions. Those savings can support competitive prices, stronger sales and hiring. An energy agreement could similarly reduce costs for households and firms, according to Khan’s proposal.

Over time, easier trade can help companies specialise, expand and improve how they work. That can raise productivity and support economic growth. The article connects closer EU relations with jobs, living standards and a possible £10 billion-a-year boost. It also presents shared cooperation as a way to strengthen Britain’s long-term economic and geopolitical position.