The European Union has signalled it could facilitate a more rapid re-accession process for the United Kingdom should it decide to reverse its departure from the bloc. This development comes amidst renewed discussions about Britain’s EU membership, particularly following remarks by former health secretary Wes Streeting, who advocated for rejoining as part of his bid for the Labour leadership.
A Changing Political Landscape
Streeting’s comments have reignited the debate over Brexit, as he argues that rejoining the EU is not only feasible but essential for the UK’s future. Sandro Gozi, the chair of the European delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, indicated that the EU would perceive a request for rejoining as a significant triumph for European unity. He stated that the process could be streamlined compared to other candidate nations, owing to the UK’s prior alignment with EU regulations and standards.
Sources within Brussels have echoed Gozi’s sentiments, suggesting that the UK’s integration could occur swiftly due to its historical ties and existing regulatory compatibility with the EU. While they anticipate discussions on joining the Euro would be a primary focus, it is believed that this requirement would not be an insurmountable obstacle, given the strict entry criteria that the UK currently does not meet.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
Recent polling by YouGov reveals that approximately 63 per cent of the British population favours closer ties with the EU, while 55 per cent support the notion of rejoining altogether. This data suggests a notable shift in public opinion, which may influence political narratives as parties prepare for upcoming elections. Gozi argued that Labour could leverage a commitment to rejoining the EU as a strategic advantage in countering the influence of Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage.
However, Gozi cautioned that the UK would need to relinquish its “obsession with carve-outs” and accept conditions akin to those imposed on other aspirants for EU membership. This includes the potential obligation to adopt the Euro, a move likely to provoke considerable backlash from Conservative factions and other opponents of rejoining.
Navigating the Path Forward
While the conversation surrounding rejoining the EU is gaining traction, there remains a cautious tone from EU representatives. According to a source close to the EU’s ambassador to the UK, the focus is currently on finalising existing agreements between the two entities, including the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) deal concerning plant and food trade. They highlighted that there have been no formal requests from the UK to initiate discussions about rejoining, framing the matter as an internal UK issue.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, previously stated in 2023 that the door remains open for the UK to rejoin the EU. She expressed a belief that future generations might rectify what she termed the “mistake of Brexit.” Streeting has echoed this sentiment, labelling the 2016 referendum decision to leave the EU as a “catastrophic mistake” and advocating for a new, strengthened relationship with Europe.
Why it Matters
As the UK grapples with the ramifications of its departure from the EU, the possibility of rejoining has re-emerged as a significant political issue. With shifting public sentiment and key figures within the Labour Party advocating for a return to the EU fold, the political landscape could undergo transformative changes. The implications of such a move are profound, potentially reshaping the UK’s economic, political, and social frameworks, and redefining its role on the global stage.
