Britain requires a broad national agreement on rejoining the European Union, according to David Miliband. His comments followed reports that the UK government had proposed a single market for goods with the EU. The former foreign secretary, now leading the International Rescue Committee, argued that relations with the EU need a stronger reset than currently planned. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he expressed certainty that Britain’s security and economic future depend on a formal, close partnership with Europe. He noted that while the government’s proposed reset is projected to add £9bn by 2040, this amount is minor compared with the £3tn size of the British economy. Miliband said a national consensus must be built on the UK’s future ties with the EU and viewed rejoining as a possible long-term aim. He acknowledged that the pre-2016 arrangement cannot be restored. He also pointed out that the EU is evolving, with Ukraine’s potential membership becoming a central issue and discussions underway about associate or tiered membership options. Addressing questions about Labour leadership, he stressed that policy priorities matter more than personnel changes. He highlighted global economic shifts, technological change, and the need to redirect welfare spending toward younger people, including the million aged 16 to 24 who are neither studying nor training. He called for debate on wealth creation, fair distribution, and government reform.
