London mayor Sadiq Khan to tell EU diplomats ‘Brexit was a mistake’ and argue for stronger EU ties to fight Trump tariffs

Brexit: A Mistake with Ongoing Impact

In a bold and unapologetic move, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has declared that Brexit was a mistake, one that continues to have far-reaching and detrimental effects on the United Kingdom, London, and the broader European community. Speaking to a gathering of EU diplomats, including ambassadors from all 27 EU member states, Sir Sadiq emphasized the urgent need for stronger ties between the UK and the EU. He argued that a closer alignment with the bloc is not just a matter of economic or political necessity but also a strategic move to counterbalance the growing threats of trade wars and tariffs, particularly those posed by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies. Sir Sadiq’s words carry significant weight, especially as he has recently been knighted for his services to politics and diversity.

The Labour mayor, known for his progressive stance, is not shying away from expressing his views, even as a government minister suggested that a “period of silence” on such sensitive topics might be more prudent. Instead, Sir Sadiq is using this high-profile meeting to make a passionate case for rethinking the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. He believes that by being “bold” and seeking closer alignment, the UK can better address shared challenges such as trade disruptions, economic instability, and the rise of anti-democratic populism. His message is clear: Brexit was a mistake, and it’s time to learn from it and move forward.

Championing a Youth Mobility Scheme

One of the key initiatives Sir Sadiq is advocating for is a youth mobility scheme with the EU. He envisions a program that would allow young people under the age of 30 from the EU to live, work, and study in the UK, with similar opportunities for British youth in Europe. This scheme, he argues, would not only boost economic growth but also foster cultural exchange and understanding, giving young people “important life experiences” that would help bridge the divide created by Brexit. Sir Sadiq also expressed his desire to make it easier for schoolchildren from the EU to visit the UK, further emphasizing the importance ofmaintaining strong people-to-people ties.

However, the UK government has been hesitant to embrace such proposals, fearing that they could be seen as crossing the red lines it drew during the Brexit negotiations, particularly around freedom of movement. The government has repeatedly stated that there will be no return to the single market, customs union, or free movement of people. Despite these concerns, Sir Sadiq remains committed to pushing forward with the youth mobility scheme, believing it to be a pragmatic and inclusive solution that benefits both the UK and the EU.

The Government’s Cautious Approach

While Sir Sadiq Khan is calling for a bolder approach to EU relations, the UK government has struck a more cautious tone. A government spokesperson emphasized that resetting the relationship with the EU is a priority, particularly in areas such as security, safety, and prosperity. However, the spokesperson reiterated that the government will not revisit key aspects of the Brexit deal, including freedom of movement, the single market, and the customs union. This stance reflects the government’s desire to maintain control over immigration and regulatory frameworks, even as it seeks to improve ties with the EU.

Despite this cautious approach, Sir Sadiq’s advocacy has sparked a renewed debate about the UK’s post-Brexit trajectory. His arguments highlight the tension between the government’s desire to maintain sovereignty and the need to address the practical challenges posed by Brexit, such as economic disruption and reduced opportunities for young people. By championing initiatives like the youth mobility scheme, Sir Sadiq is challenging the government to think creatively about how to rebuild bridges with the EU while respecting the outcome of the Brexit referendum.

Addressing the Rise of Anti-Democratic Populism

Sir Sadiq’s speech to the EU diplomats also touched on the broader geopolitical challenges facing Europe and the world. Without directly naming Donald Trump, he referenced the “trade wars and tariffs posing a real threat to international affairs,” arguing that the UK should strengthen its relationship with the EU as a counterweight to such trends. He expressed his concern about the rise of “intolerant and anti-democratic populism,” a theme that has been central to his political career. Sir Sadiq believes that by working more closely together, the UK and the EU can better address these challenges and uphold the values of democracy and human rights.

His comments come at a time when the international order is facing significant strain, with leaders like Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reshaping global power dynamics. Sir Sadiq’s call for a stronger EU-UK partnership is not just about economics; it’s about countering the forces of authoritarianism and nationalism that threaten to undermine liberal democracies. By reinvigorating ties with the EU, Sir Sadiq argues, the UK can play a more effective role in addressing these global challenges and promoting a more just and equitable world.

The Path Forward: Building Bridges and Facing Reality

In conclusion, Sir Sadiq Khan’sspeech to the EU diplomats reflects his unwavering commitment to a more inclusive and interconnected future. Despite the government’s reluctance to revisit key aspects of Brexit, Sir Sadiq remains a vocal advocate for closer EU-UK ties, particularly in areas such as youth mobility and cultural exchange. His message is one of hope and collaboration, urging both sides to look beyond the divisions of the past and work together to address the shared challenges of the present.

As the UK and the EU continue to navigate the complexities of their post-Brexit relationship, Sir Sadiq’s call for boldness and creativity serves as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining strong partnerships in an increasingly uncertain world. Whether his efforts will lead to a meaningful shiftin the government’s approach remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Sir Sadiq Khan is determined to make his voice heard and to fight for a future where the UK and the EU can thrive together.