Michael Soffe : Could I ask that Bremain have a concerted effort to create a campaign to get ALL the members to vote in the next GE. Many people are saying they have not registered. We are going to need absolutely every vote we can get in the next GE I feel.

Sue Wilson : I absolutely agree that encouraging registration to vote as overseas electors is vital, especially after how hard we fought to regain that right. It is disappointing that so few took advantage when the opportunity arose, so I think a renewed campaign is essential. Timing, however, is crucial: if we ask people to register too early, they may have to repeat the process by the time the election comes around, since re-registration is required every three years. I believe a more forceful push should come a year before the election, to maximize effectiveness. Maintaining this momentum and making sure people are aware of both the opportunity and their responsibilities is key.

Beth Martin :I am unclear what Spanish residents with a TIE are supposed to do when the EES comes in. Do we have to use the same machines as tourists or will we count as “Europeans”?

Sue Wilson : Based on what we know from the embassy, the official EES procedures aren’t entirely clear for residents like us. Officially, if you hold a TIE, you are exempt from fingerprinting and biometric data, but it’s still uncertain which gate you’ll use: in theory, there are supposed to be three options, but we haven’t seen this implemented yet. From my recent experience in Barcelona, I tried the EU gate but was refused, having to use the non-EU line with everyone else, though I didn’t need biometric checks. And, based on the stories we have heard today from members entering through airports such as Alicante, Castellon, and Malaga, for now, I’d advise that TIE holders should expect to queue with other Brits. The rules may become clearer and more consistent as the system matures, but for the time being, expect some confusion and be ready to politely present your case depending on the airport and the officials on duty that day.

Mike Phillips : What is the better way to rejoin a changing EU, in a phased manner starting with an EFTA single market approach, or as if we are a new non-member?

Lisa Burton : I believe that, although full EU membership is our long-term goal, we have to be realistic about the current political climate, both in the UK and within the European Union. From my perspective, the EU is understandably cautious about welcoming Britain back when there’s a risk that another anti-EU government might reverse any progress. That’s why I advocate for a step-by-step, pragmatic approach—one where we focus first on building trust and establishing closer ties through agencies like Horizon, Erasmus, and joint energy projects. While public support for rejoining is rising, it hasn’t yet reached the level where an immediate push would be successful. So, for now, we must combine visible campaigning with emotional arguments that reconnect people to the European ideal, while steadily advancing our engagement with Europe.

David Eldridge : I share Lisa’s view that a phased strategy is wisest. Specifically, I support intermediary measures such as joining a Customs Union, as recently proposed by the Liberal Democrats. This route provides tangible progress without the political difficulties of freedom of movement. Gradual integration reduces the risk of another reversal and builds credibility with the EU, laying a stronger foundation for eventual full membership. I believe incremental steps and maintaining rejoining as our ultimate goal are both essential.

Sue Wilson : I think  it’s important that rejoining the EU remains our goal. Joining the Single Market and Customs Union would be significant improvements but we still wouldn’t have a voice. So we need to work on two fronts, with rejoining as the ultimate goal, while considering how to improve things along the way. One doesn’t have to exclude the other.

Ruth Woodhouse : Our list of aims includes protecting the rights of UK citizens abroad, but have we got anything specific about protecting the rights of EU citizens in the UK?

Sue Wilson : Although we’ve always supported them morally, it’s not explicitly listed in our aims—though it does appear in our mission statement. Our focus has traditionally been on representing Brits in Europe because that’s who our main contacts, like Westminster officials, expect us to represent. However, I see no obstacle to making this support more explicit in our goals, especially given coming challenges. It’s a topic worth revisiting in future council meetings to consider how we might advocate more directly for EU citizens’ rights in the UK.

Lisa Burton : Early on, our group worked very closely with organizations like the 3 millionand the In Limbo project—especially during the heightened uncertainty of the withdrawal agreement’s rollout. Although some of those partnerships have faded a bit, they were strong, productive relationships based on mutual support. I see value in reinvigorating those connections and collaborating where our efforts align. It’s important to revisit these links as we continue to face evolving challenges.

Anonymous : What are your thoughts about the new immigration rules being proposed by the Home Secretary?

Lisa Burton : I see these new immigration policies as deeply worrying, especially the reciprocal risks for Brits in Europe. When lobbying, I point these repercussions out to the Labour government, stressing that dignified treatment of EU citizens in the UK is crucial because it will be mirrored for UK nationals abroad. I’ve also noticed a troubling increase in fear-driven, anti-immigration rhetoric—even among liberal, anti-Brexit group members. It’s vital we keep confronting misinformation with facts and compassion, reinforcing our group’s core values on migrant rights and showing how Brexit has damaged positive attitudes toward migration and made policies more restrictive.

Sue Scarrott : I speak from the perspective of living in Scotland, where the labour shortage is acute and immigration is desperately needed. Policies that prevent asylum seekers from working only make things worse, and we need to communicate how Brexit has led to harmful restrictions—especially hampering our ability to fill essential jobs. I’d like to see a shift in the message toward the advantages migration brings, particularly for struggling economies and public services.

Helen Johnston : It’s clear that Brexit hurt not just long-term migration, but crucially, short-term and seasonal work. This loss is felt in agriculture, hospitality, and other industries that used to rely on the easy movement of temporary workers. I would argue that any discussion about migration policy needs to include the positives of freedom of movement for all types of workers,especially young people, who benefit from opportunities to work abroad and experience other cultures, while filling vital gaps in the labour market.

Sue Wilson : I make it a point to remind people—both inside and outside our group—that we should always link the current hostile migration climate back to Brexit’s negative impact. U.K. policies now erroneously lump all newcomers together as “illegal”, escalating fear and misunderstanding. When the government conflates asylum seekers with economic migrants, public perception worsens, and policy becomes more damaging. Our advocacy should be fact-driven and emphasize constructive, humane solutions.

Anonymous : Do you feel more or less optimistic about the prospects of the UK rejoining the EU now than you did a year ago?

Lisa Burton : I feel 100% more positive than last year. The change in government and Starmer’s deliberate effort to rebuild trust with the EU are significant. The symbolism of the EU-UK summit in Britain was huge, and Starmer has found himself included in European circles where we were previously excluded. There’s mounting evidence of the negative impact Brexit has had: the GDP loss, labour shortages, security issues. Politicians are now talking openly about these problems and about solutions that invariably lead back toward Europe. Public opinion, as reflected in Lib Dem, Lab, and SNP positions, is aligning as well. The landscape is clearly shifting toward closer EU ties.

Sue Wilson : I share the sense that things have moved forward over the past year. It’s encouraging to see Brexit finally being mentioned again by politicians and in the media as, until recently, it has been a taboo subject. I believe politicians are beginning to acknowledge the damage and to talk about improving the relationship with Europe, as well as how the landscape is shifting towards practical cooperation. I’m convinced, though, that the approach will remain cautious for a while—government will want to proceed quietly to avoid political attacks from opposition and media.

Sue closed the AGM by summarising our collective optimism about future relations with the EU and confirming the Council’s views that we are closer now than a year ago, and progress is being made. 

Marsha de Cordova has been the Labour MP for Battersea since 2017, serving in Keir Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary for Women and Equalities. She is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and has been Second Church Estates Commissioner since 2024.

Marsha is Co-Chair of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, having been appointed in 2024.

Why are Labour seemingly so afraid to challenge the anti-migrant narrative of Reform UK, and indeed appear to be positively enabling it?

This directly speaks to the crucial issue of standards and the responsibility all politicians share to maintain honest and respectful debate.

I am deeply concerned that the migration debate has become toxic, in part because the left has underestimated how easily racism and far-right extremism can infiltrate mainstream political discourse. This complacency has led to a misguided approach, one that tolerates far-right rhetoric and, at times, repeats it while ignoring the serious risks involved. In some cases, when the repercussions of doing this become clear, some politicians have retreated from their harmful statements. However, by then the fear and division have already taken root in our communities.

We must confront the far-right’s anti-migrant narrative decisively and hold ourselves to a higher standard of political discourse – one grounded in truth, respect, and inclusivity. Giving ground to far-right discourse on migration will only strengthen the far-right and weaken our message to communities.

Lisa Burton

When can we expect to see the details and implementation of the youth mobility scheme between the UK and the European Union?

As I’m not a government minister, I don’t have the specifics of the negotiations.

However, based on several indications from the Chancellor and the Minister for Europe, it’s clear the Government is committed to advancing the scheme. This includes promising signs of working towards association to the brilliant Erasmus+ programme.

After multiple discussions with Ministers, I’m optimistic they aim to make substantial progress ahead of the next UK-EU Summit in May.

 Matt Burton

What would you say to pro Europeans who feel that Labour is not going far or fast enough with resetting the UK’s relationship with the European Union?

I represent Battersea – a constituency that voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union and a place where thousands of Europeans live – and I fully share the frustration many feel about the ongoing challenges as result of Brexit. This includes issues around the cost of living, reduced cultural exchange, and the pressure on small businesses that my constituents experience every day.

Throughout my time as an MP, I have consistently championed a pro-European vision. Across Battersea, it’s clear just how much a closer, more constructive relationship with the EU could improve people’s lives.

That said, it’s important to remember the state of our relationship with the EU before this Government took office. Less than eighteen months ago, conversations were simply not being had and there was no sign of life between the UK and EU. Since then, we’ve seen real progress: this Government has reopened dialogue, laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation on a range of issues, and, crucially, demonstrated a genuine willingness to work with our closest neighbours to confront the world’s most pressing challenges.

I am hopeful that from this standpoint, further change will flow.

Susan Scarrott

Have lessons been learned from the Brexit referendum campaign – where there were few positive messages regarding our relationship with the EU – rather than simply reacting to the negatives that Reform is still perpetuating?

We only need to look at the outcomes of last May’s UK-EU Summit to see change here. The tone of our relationship has shifted, and we are now hearing the right messages about the value of working together.

The Government is putting forward the argument that we need our neighbours to build a safer, more stable and peaceful world. We are also pressing the value of cultural exchange for young people’s opportunities and emphasising the objective truth – that it is better for our economy and for trade to work with the EU rather than against it.

There is a renewed confidence to Government communication on EU affairs, which is very welcome given the dire state of the conversation less than six years ago.

Anon

As a former Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, what positive changes for women have you witnessed over recent years and what more needs to be done to ensure equality?

Gender-based violence remains one of the most serious challenges we face in achieving women’s safety and equality. For many in Battersea, this issue struck painfully close to home with the horrific murder of Sarah Everard in 2023.

Since then, however, we have begun to see meaningful progress. The introduction of Raneem’s Law in February marked an important step forward, bringing domestic abuse specialists into 999 control rooms for the first time. A new criminal offence for spiking will soon be created under the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, showing the Government is serious in its commitment to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade.

I was also buoyed by the appointment of Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Having had the privilege of working with her and the Women’s Budget Group during my time as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, I know she brings a wealth of expertise, integrity, and compassion to the role – qualities that will be essential in defending and advancing women’s rights and equality.

Bremain’s Annual General Meeting will take place online on Saturday 22 November. You can register here to attend.

Members, whether attending or not, are invited to put questions to the Bremain Council. We will also feature the best questions/answers in next month’s newsletter.

If you wish to submit a question for consideration, please email us no later than Wednesday 12 November. Please indicate in your email if you would prefer your question to include your name, or if you prefer it to be discussed and published anonymously.