Sir Sadiq Khan will reiterate his support for the UK re-joining the EU single market and customs union in a meeting with European ambassadors on Tuesday.
At a summit hosted by the mayor and attended by each of the EU’s Heads of Mission in the UK, Sir Sadiq will also repeat his call for a Youth Mobility Scheme to enable young Brits and Europeans to live and work on opposite sides of the Channel.
The mayor’s comments will underline the split between his City Hall administration and the Labour Government over key questions about the UK’s relationship with its largest trading partner.
Labour promised in its general election manifesto last year that “there will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement” - a pledge repeated in December by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on a visit to Brussels.
But in remarks to ambassadors from each of the EU’s 27 member states, as well as the EU’s own ambassador to the UK, Sir Sadiq will say that the Government should “be bold” and seize “the benefits of the single market and customs union”.
He is expected to tell the meeting: “It’s no secret where I stand… I’m a proud European and of the view that Brexit was a mistake that continues to have a negative impact - not just on my city and country, but on the European community as a whole.
“I remain passionate about growing and improving our relationship across every area possible, and I believe this is essential if we’re to effectively tackle a host of shared challenges - relating to trade, our economies, security, the environment and the rise of an intolerant and anti-democratic populism.
“Indeed, at a moment when we see trade wars and tariffs posing a real threat to international affairs, I’m convinced that we should be looking at what more we can do to strengthen our relationship as a counterweight to these trends.
“I know the UK Government is determined to reset the UK’s relationship with the EU. As mayor, I wholeheartedly support this Government’s push for better relations.
“I will continue to make the case about the importance of deepening our ties and being bold when it comes to closer alignment. This includes my long-standing position on the benefits of the single market and customs union.”
On the possibility of a Youth Mobility Scheme, Sir Sadiq will add that he is “strongly in favour” of one, saying: “This would help to aid economic growth across Europe, but also give young Londoners and EU citizens important life experiences - like the opportunity to work abroad and learn more about our respective languages and cultures.
“As part of this, I’m keen for us to look at how we can make it easier for school children from the EU to visit the UK and learn more about our shared ties and history.”
The minister for European Union relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said in January that the Government had “no plans” to establish a Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU. Similar schemes already exist between the UK and Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and a handful of other countries, which allow young people from those nations to live and work in the UK for up to two years, and vice versa.
Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, the mayor will also say that London “stands shoulder to shoulder” with the Ukrainians “against Russia’s illegal invasion”, adding: “I was proud London was able to send a small number of vehicles, traded in via our scrappage scheme, to support the humanitarian effort.
“The UK will continue to support Ukraine to defend its security and sovereignty, and any peace negotiations must directly involve the Ukraine Government. There can be no deal on the future of Ukraine without the agreement of Ukraine.”
