What's happened
A former senior civil servant has called for the UK to start talking about rejoining the EU, citing economic and security concerns. While some government figures oppose this, polling shows growing public support for re-entry. The debate reflects ongoing dissatisfaction with Brexit's economic impact and international security challenges.
What's behind the headline?
The push for rejoining the EU highlights a significant shift in UK public opinion and political discourse. The comments from Philip Rycroft, a former Brexit official, emphasize that the economic damage from Brexit is now widely recognized, with most analysis suggesting a substantial GDP hit. His call to 'start talking about rejoining' reflects a growing belief that the UK must reconsider its post-Brexit strategy.
The political landscape is shifting as Labour and some cabinet ministers are increasingly open to closer ties or re-entry, despite official government opposition. The debate is driven by concerns over economic growth, security, and international standing, especially as the UK faces geopolitical instability and a deteriorating relationship with the EU.
Polling data from YouGov shows that over half of the population now favors rejoining, indicating a potential political realignment. The opposition from current government officials underscores the ongoing tension between economic pragmatism and sovereignty. The future of UK-EU relations will likely depend on how these internal debates evolve and whether public support continues to grow.
This story will likely increase pressure on policymakers to revisit Brexit policies, potentially leading to a shift in UK foreign and economic strategy. The debate is set to intensify as security concerns and economic realities become more pressing, making rejoining a more tangible option in the near future.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Philip Rycroft has called for the UK to consider rejoining the EU, emphasizing the economic and security benefits of closer ties. Rycroft states that the argument for rejoining is 'there to be won' and highlights the significant GDP hit since Brexit. Meanwhile, The Independent notes that polling shows 53% of the UK population now supports re-entry, with Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters leading this shift. Both articles underline that official government stance remains opposed, with Prime Minister Starmer and others emphasizing closer ties without full re-entry. The European Parliament has raised concerns about the rights of EU citizens in the UK, criticizing the UK government for ending funding for support charities and for high healthcare charges for newborns of EU citizens. The contrasting opinions reflect a broader debate about the economic and political future of the UK in relation to Europe.
How we got here
Since leaving the EU, the UK has faced economic challenges, including a decline in GDP and export performance. Political leaders have debated the future relationship with the EU, with some advocating closer ties or rejoining. Recent polls indicate increased public support for re-entry, driven by concerns over economic stability and security.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the Latest US and UK Diplomatic Shifts and Why Do They Matter?
Recent developments in US and UK foreign policy are raising questions about future alliances, sovereignty, and global stability. From the US reconsidering support for the Falkland Islands to the UK contemplating rejoining the EU, these diplomatic moves could reshape international relations. Below, we explore the key questions and what they mean for the world today.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Philip John Rycroft CB is a British civil servant who served as the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Exiting the European Union from 2017 to 2019.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.