^{Photo: BBC}

Sadiq Khan has called on Britain’s ruling Labour government to commit to rejoining the European Union, arguing that the country’s economic struggles, rising living costs, and slowing growth are closely tied to the long-term consequences of Brexit.

In a wide-ranging interview following Labour’s heavy losses in recent local elections, Khan urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take a more aggressive and ambitious political approach before the next national vote, warning that the party risks suffering a major defeat if it fails to reconnect with frustrated voters.

The London mayor said Labour must become “bolder and braver” and move faster in delivering economic results, infrastructure improvements, and stronger international partnerships.

“People are frustrated with the lack of pace of delivery,” Khan said, acknowledging growing dissatisfaction among voters despite Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election.

“We have not been bold enough, we’ve not been brave enough. We are in danger of losing the next general election pretty badly,” he added.

Khan’s comments come at a politically sensitive moment for Labour, with some lawmakers and party figures increasingly questioning Starmer’s leadership following disappointing local election performances across several parts of England. The losses have intensified internal debate over the government’s economic direction, public spending strategy, and approach toward Europe.

At the center of Khan’s argument is Brexit.

The mayor described Britain’s departure from the European Union as “the biggest act of economic self-harm any country has ever done,” repeating one of his strongest criticisms of the 2016 referendum decision that ultimately reshaped the country’s economic and political landscape.

The U.K. formally left the European Union in 2020 after 52% of voters backed the “Leave” campaign in the historic referendum four years earlier. Supporters of Brexit argued that leaving the bloc would restore national sovereignty, strengthen border control, and allow Britain to negotiate its own trade agreements independently.

However, critics say the move has weakened economic growth, reduced investment flows, complicated trade logistics, and damaged Britain’s long-term competitiveness, particularly in sectors heavily dependent on European markets.

Khan argued that the U.K. should now openly work toward reversing course.

According to the mayor, Labour should campaign in the next general election on a direct pledge that, if re-elected, the party would seek to rejoin the European Union. Britain’s next national election must take place no later than August 2029.

“Stand at the next general election with a manifesto with a clear promise: if Labour wins the next general election, we will rejoin the European Union,” Khan said.

The comments reflect a broader shift taking place across parts of British politics and business communities. Several recent opinion polls have shown rising public regret over Brexit, especially among younger voters and urban populations. Business groups, manufacturers, exporters, and financial institutions have also repeatedly raised concerns over increased bureaucracy, customs delays, labor shortages, and reduced market access since the U.K. exited the bloc.

As mayor of London, Europe’s largest financial center, Khan has consistently argued that Brexit has harmed Britain’s global competitiveness. London’s financial services industry, once seen as the uncontested gateway to European markets, has faced growing pressure from rival financial hubs in cities such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam since Brexit took effect.

Khan said reconnecting with Europe could help Britain address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis by boosting trade, attracting investment, and restoring economic momentum.

“The best way to generate more wealth and prosperity is to rejoin the biggest trading bloc on our doorstep,” he said.

The mayor also pointed to growing international instability as another reason Britain should strengthen ties with Europe. He cited rising geopolitical tensions, global trade disruptions, and escalating energy costs linked to conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine.

In addition, Khan criticized the economic uncertainty created by policies from Donald Trump, particularly tariffs and protectionist trade measures that have disrupted global markets and international supply chains.

According to Khan, Britain must recognize the economic “headwinds from overseas” affecting households, businesses, and energy prices.

He also described Trump as difficult to predict politically and diplomatically, noting that the current U.S. administration has taken increasingly unilateral positions on trade, climate agreements, and international alliances.

“It’s very difficult to have a relationship with somebody like that, who behaves in a way that’s difficult to predict,” Khan said.

The mayor highlighted what he described as unprecedented behavior from a modern American president, including aggressive tariff policies, criticism of NATO commitments, and abrupt shifts in international agreements.

Despite those concerns, Khan praised Starmer’s handling of relations with Washington, saying the prime minister had managed to balance ties with the United States while simultaneously improving relations with Europe.

“He’s done a great job explaining that you can be friends with the USA and be close to the European Union,” Khan said.

Still, Khan admitted that Labour’s achievements since taking power have often been overshadowed by communication failures, policy confusion, and political missteps. He described the recent election outcome as “more than a shellacking” for the party.

Even so, he warned against quickly replacing Starmer, arguing that Britain’s international reputation for political stability remains valuable to global investors and businesses.

“When I speak to people across the globe, whether they’re investors, chief executives, or venture capitalists, they look to the U.K. as somewhere that provides calm, stability and certainty,” Khan said.

As Labour attempts to recover politically while navigating inflation pressures, slowing economic growth, trade uncertainty, and rising geopolitical tensions, the debate surrounding Britain’s relationship with Europe is rapidly returning to the center of national politics.