The UK’s relationship with the European Union has been a contentious issue, and the recent developments surrounding Donald Trump’s threats over Greenland have reignited the debate. According to a analysis by world affairs editor Sam Kiley, the Trump administration’s tariff threats could serve as a catalyst for the UK to reconsider its stance and potentially rejoin the EU.
The reaction from Independent readers has been divided, with some arguing that the UK must align more closely with its European allies to address global instability, while others warn that such a move would disregard the Brexit vote and be politically toxic.
Supporters of closer integration believe that the UK and EU must act together to counter the unpredictability of the US, the aggression of Russia, and the growing global instability. Some suggest that a pragmatic first step could be to rejoin the single market or customs union, which would strengthen the UK’s economic resilience and diplomatic clout, even if full EU membership remains a long-term prospect.
However, critics argue that calls to rejoin the EU disregard the Brexit vote and would be politically damaging. Some dismiss the EU as economically stagnant, undemocratic, or irrelevant to defence, arguing that NATO, not Brussels, is the cornerstone of European security. Others question the realism of rejoining the EU, highlighting the likelihood of lengthy negotiations, tougher terms, and the need for political consensus that currently does not exist.
One reader notes that while rejoining the EU is desirable, it would be an extremely difficult and complex process, potentially taking a decade or more. The EU is unlikely to entertain an application with the spectre of Nigel Farage in the background, and the UK would need to meet the EU’s regulatory criteria, potentially reversing post-Brexit policies. Public opinion would also need to be decisively pro-EU, and several member states would likely demand guarantees on budget contributions, freedom of movement, and fisheries.
Another reader suggests that the UK should focus on cooperation with the EU first, such as through a customs union, before considering full rejoining. This more gradual approach, they argue, would be less politically contentious and less likely to be reversed by a future right-wing government.
As the UK navigates the complex landscape of its relationship with the EU, the debate over rejoining will undoubtedly continue. Balancing the demands of national sovereignty, economic resilience, and global security will be a delicate challenge for policymakers in the years to come.
