Geraint Davies Slams Rachel Reeves Over Brexit U-Turn And EU Re-Entry Stance
Former Welsh Labour MP Geraint Davies has sharply criticised ex-Chancellor Rachel Reeves over her recent pivot on European Union membership. Mr Davies, who represented Swansea West, accused Ms Reeves of a significant political U-turn following her dismissal from the Cabinet.
Ms Reeves, who lost her post when Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, published an article in The Sunday Times blaming Brexit for making the UK “poorer, weaker and less secure.” She stated: “I do believe Britain’s future lies in the European Union.”
Ms Reeves added: “There is a debate to be had about our future relationship with Europe, and I welcome Andy Burnham’s leadership in facing up to this.” She called for progress towards entry into the SAFE defence partnership ahead of the upcoming UK-EU summit.
Mr Davies, who stepped down before the 2024 general election, highlighted that Ms Reeves had previously urged Labour MPs to support the Conservative Party’s hard Brexit deal. He noted: “Rachel Reeves presented Starmer’s orders to Labour MPs to support the Tories’ hard Brexit EU deal at the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), yet is now U-turning under a new boss.”
He further explained: “As Swansea West MP, I defied the orders.” Mr Davies pointed out that Labour support was unnecessary to avoid a “no deal” scenario, as abstention would have required 280 Conservative MPs to oppose their own legislation.
Speaking on the matter, Mr Davies said: “The problem was that Starmer was instructing Labour MPs to vote for Tory policies.” He revealed that he had written to Ms Reeves after the meeting, to which she replied: “these are difficult issues.”
Eli Nathan
Eli Nathan covers Wales news, politics, community stories, and sports for The National Wales (thenational.wales).
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