A decade after the historic referendum, Britain finds itself at a crossroads in its relationship with Europe. The Independent’s new editorial campaign, Europe: The Way Back, dives deep into the critical questions surrounding the UK’s future on the continent, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of how Britain might rebuild its connections and chart a new course forward.
Leading this ambitious initiative are political editor David Maddox and political correspondent Millie Cooke, who will deliver a free weekly newsletter packed with expert analysis, exclusive reporting, and essential updates on UK-EU relations. Each Wednesday, subscribers will receive insights that cut through the noise to reveal what’s really happening between London and Brussels.
The Campaign’s Vision and Scope
Europe: The Way Back represents more than just a newsletter – it’s a sustained journalistic effort to understand one of the most consequential political decisions of our time. As the dust settles on Brexit, the debate about Britain’s place in Europe remains vitally important. The campaign seeks to answer fundamental questions about trade, security, cooperation, and the daily realities that affect ordinary citizens on both sides of the Channel.
The initiative comes at a moment when the UK government is actively re-evaluating its relationship with the European Union. From fishing rights disputes to regulatory alignment discussions, from trade deal negotiations to security cooperation questions, the landscape continues to shift. Europe: The Way Back aims to provide clarity amid the complexity.
What Readers Can Expect
Each instalment of the newsletter delivers a carefully curated package of information. Exclusive reporting will uncover developments as they happen, while analysis pieces will explain the political machinations behind key decisions. The campaign features voices from across the political spectrum – politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and campaigners – all providing their perspectives on Britain’s evolving European destiny.

Maddox and Cooke bring decades of combined experience in political journalism to this endeavour. Their track record includes breaking major stories, conducting in-depth investigations, and providing balanced analysis that serves readers seeking to understand complex policy issues. Their approach remains rooted in factual accuracy and journalistic independence.
The newsletter will also cover broader European developments that impact UK interests, from EU policy changes to continental political shifts. Understanding Europe’s internal dynamics is crucial for grasping how Britain fits into this new arrangement.
Joining the Conversation
Subscribers to Europe: The Way Back become part of a community of readers committed to understanding Britain’s post-Brexit future. The campaign includes a dedicated commenting forum where engaged citizens can share their views and engage with one another on these critical issues.
To sign up for the free weekly newsletter, readers need only enter their email address in the sign-up box provided on The Independent’s website. Alternatively, they can subscribe through the newsletter preference centre and select Europe: The Way Back as one of their chosen publications.
The Independent has built its reputation on delivering quality journalism without restricting access through paywalls. This commitment to open information sharing aligns perfectly with the campaign’s goal of fostering informed public debate about Britain’s place in Europe.
Why it Matters
In an era of global uncertainty and shifting alliances, Britain’s relationship with Europe will profoundly shape the nation’s prosperity, security, and international standing for generations to come. Europe: The Way Back provides essential scrutiny and analysis as policymakers navigate this complex terrain, ensuring that democratic discourse remains informed by facts rather than rhetoric. The campaign’s success in illuminating the path forward could help define how Britain engages with the world in the post-Brexit era.
