London Mayor Sadiq Khan has told EU diplomats that “Brexit was a mistake’’ and renewed his backing for a youth mobility scheme between the EU bloc nations and the UK.
He argued that strengthening ties with the bloc would help to offset U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened new, harsh tariff regime.
In a meeting on Tuesday – today, February 18 – the London mayor told delegates that Britain’s withdrawal from the trading bloc has continued to have a negative impact, promising to make a case for bolder efforts to seek closer alignment.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has made resetting relations with the EU a priority but repeatedly ruled out returning to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.
Wary of any deal that could be seen to cross these red lines, Starmer has also resisted proposals from Brussels for a new scheme allowing under-30s from the Bloc to work and study in the UK.
Khan said he would also look at ways to make it easier for schoolchildren from the EU to visit Britain.
“As Mayor, I’m strongly in favour of a new youth mobility scheme.
“This will help to aid economic growth across Europe, but also give young Londoners and EU citizens important life experiences like the opportunity to work abroad and learn more about our respective languages and cultures.
“As part of this, I’m keen for us to look at how we can make it easier for school children from the EU to visit the UK and learn more about our shared ties and history,’’ the London Mayor said
Khan called for European allies to come together to tackle a series of shared challenges, including the rise of an intolerant and anti-democratic populism, and tariffs posing a real threat to international affairs as well.
“I’m a proud European and of the view that Brexit was a mistake that has continued to have a negative impact not just on my city and country, but on the European community as a whole.
“I remain passionate about growing and improving our relationship across every area possible and I believe this is essential if we’re to effectively tackle a host of shared challenges relating to trade.
“Our economies, security, the environment and the rise of an intolerant and anti-democratic populism challenge also need to be tackled,’’ he said.
Without naming Trump explicitly, Khan noted that “at a moment when we see trade wars and tariffs posing a real threat to international affairs, I’m convinced that we should be looking at what more we can do to strengthen our relationship as a counterweight to these trends.’’
Khan’s refrain from openly slamming Trump came after the London mayor (a member of the Labour Party) was told by the Labour government that a period of silence would be most welcome.
This followed public rebuking over his earlier warnings of resurgent fascism under a new Trump presidency.
Sonny Leong, who as a Lords whip holds the same constitutional position as a minister, said he disagreed with Khan, and that the president “has a mandate and we have to work with him.
“Sometimes I will say a period of silence would be most welcome,’’ he added.
Khan highlighted the far-right parties AfD in Germany and National Rally in France, and Trump in the U.S. and branded them “opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain” in an article for The Observer.
He later struck a more conciliatory tone, telling BBC London he wanted to work closely with the American president, with whom he had previously had a fractious relationship.
On Tuesday, Khan praised the government’s drive to reset the UK’s relationship with the EU.
“I will continue to make the case about the importance of deepening our ties and being bold when it comes to closer alignment.
“This includes my long-standing position on the benefits of the single market and customs union,’’ he said.
Expressing ongoing support for Ukraine, he said: “London stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine against Russian’s illegal invasion.
“The UK will continue to support Ukraine to defend its security and sovereignty, and any peace negotiations must directly involve the Ukraine government.
“There can be no deal on the future of Ukraine without the agreement of Ukraine.’’ (dpa/NAN)
