Will Britain’s next prime minister reverse Brexit?

Several leading British politicians, including potential future prime ministers, have publicly expressed support for rejoining the European Union, raising the possibility that the UK could reverse Brexit in the coming years. While no official government policy has been announced, these statements reflect a significant shift in political sentiment and public opinion, making the question of Brexit’s future increasingly relevant.

Recent polls indicate that a majority of Britons now favor rejoining the EU, with 55% supporting full membership and 63% favoring closer economic ties, even if it means accepting free movement of people. Prominent figures like Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting have publicly voiced support for rejoining, and some officials, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, have called for the issue to be included in future party manifestos.

Despite this, the current UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has maintained that reversing Brexit is unlikely and that the country must make the best of its current arrangements. Experts note that rejoining the EU would require complex negotiations and significant political capital, which may be difficult to secure given the deep divisions over Brexit that persist within the UK.

Potential Political Shift Toward Rejoining the EU

The growing political support for rejoining the EU could reshape UK policy and influence upcoming elections. If major parties adopt pro-EU stances, it might accelerate efforts to re-enter the bloc, impacting trade, migration, and diplomatic relations. For voters, this signals a possible shift away from longstanding Euroskeptic policies, reflecting dissatisfaction with Brexit’s economic and social outcomes.

Decade of Brexit and Changing Public Opinion

Since the 2016 referendum, Brexit has been a defining issue in UK politics. Initial promises of economic prosperity and sovereignty have largely gone unfulfilled, with recent studies estimating the UK’s GDP is 6-8% lower than it would have been had the country remained in the EU. Public opinion has shifted, with a growing majority now favoring re-entry, amid economic challenges, declining investment, and rising inequality.

Politicians like Andy Burnham have openly supported rejoining, though the government has resisted. The idea has gained traction in Europe as well, with two-thirds of EU citizens supporting UK re-entry, and some European leaders expressing openness to it. Nonetheless, the legal and political hurdles remain substantial, including the need for an extensive negotiation process and potential constitutional changes.

“I would like to see the UK rejoin the EU in my lifetime, but I don’t want to re-run the debates over Brexit.”

— Andy Burnham

Unclear if Rejoining Will Be Politically Feasible

While support for rejoining the EU is increasing among the public and some politicians, it remains uncertain whether the UK government will pursue this path. The process would require significant political consensus and constitutional changes, which are not currently underway. Additionally, the economic and diplomatic implications of rejoining are still being debated, and no formal plans have been announced.

Next Steps in UK-EU Relations and Political Debate

The coming months will likely see increased discussions within political parties about the future of UK-EU relations. Potential shifts in party platforms and public opinion could influence upcoming elections. Experts also anticipate ongoing debates about the legal and economic feasibility of rejoining, with some politicians pushing for inclusion of the issue in future election manifestos. Meanwhile, the government continues to emphasize making the most of current arrangements.

Key Questions

Could the UK rejoin the EU in the near future?

Rejoining the EU would require extensive negotiations and political consensus, making immediate re-entry unlikely. While support is growing, significant legal and political hurdles remain.

What are the main reasons politicians support rejoining?

Supporters cite economic challenges, declining investment, and dissatisfaction with Brexit’s outcomes as reasons for reconsidering EU membership.

How would rejoining affect UK-EU relations?

Rejoining could lead to closer economic and diplomatic ties, but it would also require renegotiating many agreements and addressing sovereignty concerns.

Is there a timeline for potential re-entry?

There is no set timeline; any move to rejoin would depend on political will, legal processes, and public support, which are still evolving.

Source: Vox