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United Kingdom

Scottish Labour leader calls for UK to rejoin the European Union

The call from Scottish Labour's new leader puts pressure on Prime Minister Andy Burnham ahead of EU talks and could shape Labour's next manifesto.

Photo: Yahoo News

What happened

Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union, describing it as a long-term objective for the whole country. BBC+3 In a speech at the University of Edinburgh, Marra said it was in the interests of Scotland and the whole United Kingdom for the UK to rejoin the EU. The Herald+1 Marra said rejoining would not be easy and acknowledged there would be serious questions over issues such as currency and borders. BBC+1 He said he wanted solidarity, not separation, and that Scottish Labour would work to make rejoining happen. BBC+1 Marra said his call goes further than the position of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is seeking closer ties with the EU. BBC+1

Around it

Last month the UK government ruled out rejoining the EU within this parliament, while Burnham said he wanted to explore closer ties with Europe. BBC Marra said his party's policy differs from UK Labour, which does not support rejoining, and from the SNP, which aims for an independent Scotland within the bloc. Yahoo News Downing Street said securing a better deal with the EU at talks next week could be a significant prize for Britain. Daily Mirror Asked whether rejoining could make Scottish independence easier, Marra said he did not really care and that he was putting Scotland's interests first. Yahoo News

What comes next

Marra has said he plans to convene a summit on the issue next year, inviting all political parties. Scottish Daily Express Burnham is scheduled to hold crunch talks with the EU next week. Daily Mirror

Sources

  1. BBCScottish Labour leader says the UK should re-join EU
  2. The HeraldScottish Labour leader calls for EU rejoin in party's next general election manifesto
  3. The StandardRejoining EU should be ‘long-term objective’ for UK
  4. Daily MirrorScottish Labour leader backs rejoining EU ahead of Burnham's summit with bloc
  5. Yahoo News'I don't care' if rejoining EU enables Scottish independence, Scots Labour boss says
  6. Scottish Daily ExpressMichael Marra opens door to SNP's indy referendum by reopening Brexit debate

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