Labour came to power with no big idea for relations with EU, says former top diplomat
Summary
A former British ambassador to the EU said the Labour Party came to power without a clear plan for the UK’s future relationship with the EU. He criticized Labour’s approach as unprepared and unlikely to improve the UK economy, especially given the complex trade and political issues after Brexit.Key Facts
- Ivan Rogers was the UK’s EU ambassador from 2013 to 2017 and resigned in 2017 over Brexit disagreements.
- He said Labour’s manifesto had a mix of unclear ideas about the EU that would not solve major economic problems.
- Labour’s goal of joining the EU single market for goods is unlikely because the EU rejects partial membership without free movement of people.
- Labour promised technical agreements to ease border checks and help artists, but these don’t address key trade and investment challenges.
- EU leaders remain firm on rules involving the UK’s relationship, set after the 2016 Brexit vote.
- Rogers noted that free movement of people is a complicated political issue in the UK.
- Financial institutions oppose a model where the UK would follow EU rules without having a say.
- He expressed sympathy for former Prime Minister David Cameron, who had to face EU leaders after the Brexit vote and then resigned.
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