The UK’s Finance Minister Rachel Reeves stated that closer integration with the European Union offers the country more economic opportunities than deepening relations with the US or China, reports Politico, citing excerpts from her speech.
Source: “Espreso”
According to Reeves, three major economic blocs dominate the world — the US, China, and Europe — but the geographical factor plays a key role for the UK.
“We will always seek any opportunity to grow our economy and trade relations, but ultimately only one of them is right on our doorstep, and therefore the greatest reward is closer integration with Europe,” she emphasized.
At the same time, Reeves stressed that this is not about “choosing a side” but about geographical proximity. Stronger ties with the European bloc, in her view, are the most important priority, though London is ready to follow EU rules only where it aligns with its “national interests.”