Philip Rycroft in the news as UK politics debates EU rejoin and Brexit fallout; ex-Permanent Secretary to the DExEU (2017–2019).
Research from the Centre for European Reform has found that UK exports to the EU have fallen by about 12% since Brexit, driven mainly by leaving the single market; chemicals, agrifood, travel and financial services have been hardest hit. Politicians are debating options — customs union, single-market deals or full re-entry — while a July 22 UK‑EU summit will press the reset in relations.
The UK government has announced a moratorium on political donations via cryptocurrencies and introduced caps on donations from British citizens abroad. The move follows a review highlighting persistent foreign interference, including influence from Russia, China, Iran, and foreign-funded online ads. Reform UK faces calls to return crypto donations from overseas sources.
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.