Labour's Shift: From Brexiteers to Remainers

Fri Mar 20 2026 09:55:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A recent discourse by Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlights a pivotal shift in the Labour Party's approach towards Brexit, as it now seeks to reconnect with Remain supporters while still maintaining its red lines against rejoining the EU.

The Labour Party, led by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is pivoting its Brexit strategy to acknowledge the detrimental impacts of Brexit, seeking to strengthen ties with Remainers while still holding firm against rejoining the EU. This change reflects a need to address economic struggles and aims to recapture support from both Remain and disaffected working-class voters, amid a challenging electoral landscape.

Labour's Shift: From Brexiteers to Remainers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves at her recent Mais lecture highlighted a significant transformation within the Labour Party regarding Brexit, suggesting that economic performance has become a priority that necessitates a new engagement with Remainers.

Reeves stated, Brexit did deep damage, signaling a shift from the previous emphasis on winning back Brexiteers to acknowledging the harms Brexit has caused. The Labour Party appears prepared to adjust its approach as it seeks to reset the UK's relationship with the EU while taking economic considerations into account.

Labour's manifesto for the upcoming 2024 election proposes the renegotiation of the existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement, particularly aiming to eliminate EU customs checks on UK food exports, aligning regulations more closely with EU standards. However, it maintains firm boundaries against rejoining the single market, customs union, or restoring free movement.

The party's post-2019 strategy has been to adopt a pragmatic stance on Brexit. Following a heavy defeat in the 2019 elections, Labour accepted the result of the Brexit referendum and endorsed Johnson's agreement. Nonetheless, recent statements by party leaders reflect increasing urgency to shift tone and engage in a broader re-evaluation of Brexit impacts.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has remarked that Brexit significantly hurt our economy and indicated a need to pursue closer relationships with the EU. This is pivotal as Labour prepares for the next election amid ongoing economic challenges.

Despite holding the red lines firm, Labour faces pressure within its ranks to reevaluate its Brexit strategy. London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently urged for rejoining the EU customs union and single market, placing additional strain on the party's leadership.

Data indicates that the current Labour government has been losing support among its traditional voter base, especially among those who supported EU membership. A recent YouGov poll suggests that Labour's standings have waned significantly among voters who endorsed remaining in the EU, making it vital for the party to regain their trust to build a more substantial electoral coalition.

As Labour intensifies its efforts to reconnect with Remain voters, a critical question emerges: will this strategy risk alienating their Brexit-convinced base, or is the political landscape shifting in their favor? The outcome will significantly influence Labour's electoral strategy and its potential recovery on the political front.