The European Union has indicated a willingness to fast-track the United Kingdom’s return to its fold should the nation choose to reverse its Brexit decision. This revelation follows a resurgence of discussions surrounding EU membership, sparked by statements from former health secretary Wes Streeting, who advocates for rejoining as part of his campaign to lead the Labour Party.
Fast-Track Possibility for the UK
Sandro Gozi, chair of the European delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, shared insights with The Independent, suggesting that the EU would view the UK’s request to rejoin as a significant triumph for the European project. He stated that the existing alignment between the UK and the EU would allow for a streamlined accession process, differentiating it from other candidate nations.
While any discussions surrounding re-accession would likely begin with the topic of the Euro, sources indicate that this requirement may not be an insurmountable obstacle, given the UK’s unique circumstances. Gozi explained, “It could be done more quickly than for other candidate countries because there is the institutional memory there from when the UK was a member. And there is also already some level of alignment between the UK and EU.”
Labour’s Strategic Move
Streeting’s pro-EU stance comes amid polling data that reveals a significant shift in public sentiment. A recent YouGov survey found that 63 per cent of the British populace favours closer ties with the EU, while 55 per cent would support rejoining. Gozi posits that a clear commitment to rejoining could serve as a potent political weapon for Labour against rival parties, particularly Reform UK led by Nigel Farage.
However, Gozi cautioned that any potential rejoining would necessitate the UK relinquishing its previously held “obsession with carve outs,” which includes the need to accept the Euro as part of the accession terms. He acknowledged that the UK had negotiated favourable terms during its previous EU membership, including a considerable rebate on its budget contributions.
Compromises Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding a potential fast-track process, significant compromises would be essential for the UK, especially regarding monetary union. Critics within the Conservative Party and Reform UK are likely to oppose any move towards Euro adoption, which might ignite fierce debates on national sovereignty and economic policy.
A former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) echoed the sentiment that while the entry criteria for the Euro are stringent, there is potential for leniency in negotiations. “The EU’s starting point will be that we should commit to joining the Euro in due course,” the MEP stated. Yet, they also pointed out that several existing member states remain outside the Eurozone and display no intention of joining.
Current EU Perspective
While the EU remains open to the idea of the UK rejoining, officials have clarified that there are pressing issues that must be addressed first. A source close to the EU’s ambassador to the UK indicated, “We have nearly ten countries that want to join the EU that are candidate accession countries. This is the biggest amount of countries we’ve seen. And there has so far been no request from the UK to rejoin, so there is currently no discussion.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, previously stated in 2023 that the UK remains on a “clear direction of travel” towards potential re-accession. Streeting, as he steps back into the political arena, has described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake,” advocating for a renewed partnership with Europe.
Why it Matters
This dialogue surrounding the UK’s potential return to the EU is not merely a political curiosity; it reflects shifting public attitudes and the ongoing ramifications of Brexit. As global stability becomes increasingly tenuous, the prospect of rejoining the EU may not only reshape Britain’s political landscape but also redefine its role on the international stage. The outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for the UK’s economic future and its relationship with Europe.