London's Mayor Khan is promoting close ties to the EU

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London mayor and Labor politician Sadiq Khan

Photo: Matt Crossick / IMAGO / PA Images

Sadiq Aman Khan is the mayor of the metropolis and one of the most prominent faces of the opposition Labor Party.

The British Social Democrats are apparently planning to make closer reconnection of the United Kingdom with the European Union (EU) an issue.

This is supported by numerous statements from Labor representatives - and statements by Khan to the British newspaper "Observer".

Khan told the paper he wanted to make travel between the Union and Great Britain easier.

This requires either the introduction of an agreement for easier mobility for young people, or changes to the visa regulations that have been in force since Brexit.

It's not about Great Britain rejoining the EU.

But what is needed is a “pragmatic debate” as to whether the country should rejoin the internal market and customs union, said Khan.

According to the Observer, the statements indicate that Khan wants to focus on pro-European messages in the run-up to the mayoral elections in the British capital in May 2024.

They are also likely to have coordinated with Labor leader Keir Starmer.

In a speech in mid-January, Khan had already called for a new agreement with the EU that could "stimulate our economy and increase the standard of living of the British people."

Khan described Brexit as a "key factor" in the crisis in the "cost of living caused by inflation" in the United Kingdom.

Brexit is not working, said Khan, who is seeking a third term in local elections in May.

“We have to be honest: Brexit is simply not a side issue that we can leave to the past,” explained Khan.

Labor warns of trade problems

He is not alone in his party.

In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, from which the newspaper "Financial Times" quotes, Labor leader Nick Thomas-Symonds writes that from January 31st there will be queues at ports, delays in imports and an increase in inflation food prices.

The government must ensure that businesses and consumers are prepared for change and take urgent action to minimize disruption to supply chains.

After several postponements, Great Britain now also wants to introduce import controls for animal and plant products from the EU on January 31st.

Companies then have to enter their customs declarations in advance and declare agricultural and food exports to Great Britain.

Experts warn of additional bureaucratic effort and delays.

Great Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020.

Since January 1, 2021, the country is no longer a member of the EU Customs Union or the internal market.

This led to considerable delays in trading, especially at the beginning.

On the EU side, imports from Great Britain have been checked for three years.

“It is crucial to minimize the friction and disruption caused by the measures you have committed to introducing,” wrote Labor politician Thomas-Symonds.

He called for negotiations on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU to reduce trade barriers.

The British government defended the introduction of controls.

They will ensure “the most advanced border in the world”.

Thanks to modern technology, trading is simplified.

"The changes we are introducing will help keep the UK safe while protecting our food supply chains and agricultural sector from diseases that would cause significant economic damage," it said in London.

EU member Ireland also called on companies to prepare for changes.

"The United Kingdom continues to be an important market for Irish exports, so the smooth transition to these new British requirements will be very important for us," warned Foreign Minister Micheal Martin.

More than a third of Irish exports go to the UK, the largest market for Irish food, drink and horticultural products.

Irish authorities have prepared contingency plans to manage traffic in case trucks arrive at Dublin port without the necessary documents.

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