Sadiq Khan Says ‘Brexit Was a Mistake’ and Closer EU Ties Could Counter Trump’s Tariffs

• Feb 18, 2025

London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, will tell a gathering of EU diplomats that Brexit was a mistake and renew his support for a youth mobility scheme, arguing that stronger ties with the European Union would help counter Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Khan will explain that Britain’s departure from the EU has "continued to have a negative impact" and will advocate for a more "bold" approach to foster closer alignment with the bloc.

While Keir Starmer’s government has prioritized rebuilding relations with the EU, it has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the single market, the customs union, or restoring freedom of movement. The government has also resisted proposals from Brussels for a new scheme allowing young people from the EU to live, work, and study in the UK, and vice versa.

However, during his meeting with the UK ambassadors of the EU and its 27 member states, Khan will push for easier arrangements that would allow schoolchildren from the EU to visit Britain.

“As mayor, I strongly support a new youth mobility scheme,” Khan will tell the attendees. “This scheme would benefit economic growth across Europe and provide young Londoners and EU citizens with valuable life experiences, such as the opportunity to work abroad and deepen their understanding of our shared languages and cultures.”

He will also call for easier access for EU schoolchildren to visit the UK to explore their shared history and cultural ties.

Khan is expected to stress the need for European allies to unite in tackling various challenges, including the rise of "intolerant and anti-democratic populism" and "tariffs that pose a real threat to international relations."

“I am a proud European and believe Brexit was a mistake that continues to negatively affect not only my city and country but the European community as a whole,” Khan will say. “I remain committed to strengthening our relationship in all areas, as this is crucial for addressing shared challenges—whether in trade, economics, security, the environment, or combating rising intolerance.”

While he is not expected to specifically mention Trump, Khan will suggest that strengthening ties with the EU could act as a countermeasure to growing global threats. “In a time when trade wars and tariffs are threatening international relations, I believe we should explore ways to reinforce our relationship to counter these trends,” he will say.

This statement follows a public rebuke from the Labour government, which urged Khan to remain silent after he warned of a “resurgent fascism” in the event of a second Trump presidency. Lord Sonny Leong, who holds a position in the House of Lords equivalent to that of a government minister, disagreed with Khan, stating that Trump “has a mandate, and we must work with him.”

“Sometimes, I believe a period of silence would be most welcome,” Leong added.

Khan had previously compared Trump, the German AfD party, and France’s National Rally, calling them “opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain,” in an article for The Observer.

A government spokesperson responded, saying, “We are committed to resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU to enhance the security, safety, and prosperity of the British people. However, we have made it clear that there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union, or the single market.”