Labour blocks EU-relationship debate at conference, citing sensitivity
The Labour Party’s Conference Arrangements Committee barred a motion to drop the party’s blanket opposition to re-joining the EU single market, customs union or free movement, saying the issue was not “contemporary”.
At Labour’s upcoming annual conference, the Conference Arrangements Committee rejected a proposal to remove the party’s blanket opposition to re-joining the EU single market, customs union or free movement, labeling the topic “not contemporary”. Party insiders suggest the wording masks the real reason - the issue is deemed too sensitive for a public debate. The motion, backed by the Labour Movement for Europe, aimed to give the party flexibility to negotiate a better Brexit deal.
The decision arrives as speculation grows about Andy Burnham’s potential to reshape the UK’s EU relationship after hinting at a future manifesto commitment. Pressure from unions, former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, and European Parliament Brexit chief Sandro Gozi has intensified calls for a more pro-EU stance, while the government’s own Brexit reset stalls over youth mobility and “Made in Europe” procurement rules. Some Labour MPs from former Leave strongholds warned Burnham not to pursue re-entry into the EU, highlighting internal tensions.
Why it matters
The blocked debate reveals deep divisions within Labour over the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Richard Tice condemns Chinese imports while Reform UK merch made in China is on sale
- Sep 4 National Rally leader Jordan Bardella delivered an English speech at Reform UK’s gathering, emphasizing tighter ties with the British party and joint immigration control.
- Sep 4 Reform UK invited Bardella to speak at its Birmingham conference.
- Sep 6 West Midlands Police have issued a call for the protester to come forward to assist their inquiry.
- Sep 7 The memorandum was signed, moving the idea from conference discussion to a formal agreement.
- Sep 22 YouGov's latest seat-by-seat model indicates Reform UK would secure just 123 seats if a general election were called today, a sharp drop from a similar poll a year ago. Labour is forecast to lead with 241 seats, followed by the Conservatives at 130, while the Liberal Democrats hold steady at 71. The results point to the first hung parliament since the 2010 coalition. Reform also appears to be losing its high-profile MPs Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman back to the Conservatives. The party's decline follows recent scandals involving alleged off-the-books polling and the suspension of aides Dan Jukes and James Orr, prompting a Met Police investigation.
- Sep 25 A new YouGov poll shows Reform UK level with the Conservatives and behind Labour.
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