UK could rejoin the EU just 10 years after Brexit as major reversal is proposed

As Labour's annual conference takes place in Liverpool, the debate over the UK rejoining the European Union is gaining momentum. The prospect of Britain returning to the EU just 10 years after Brexit has sparked serious political discussion, with former Prime Minister Tony Blair advocating for a "significantly reformed" EU membership.

The Tony Blair Institute has released a report proposing that Britain work towards this ambition over the next decade, while also pursuing closer cooperation with Europe in key areas such as defence, energy, and technology. However, a future return would not simply involve reversing Brexit; it would require negotiations with Brussels and acceptance of conditions like free movement and financial contributions.

The report emphasizes that a future return would involve different arrangements and opt-outs compared to Britain's previous EU membership. The issue has gained significance as current Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not ruled out including a commitment to rejoin the EU in a future election manifesto. In the meantime, the UK government has been pursuing closer links with European countries, with Prime Minister Burnham meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the forthcoming EU-UK summit and cooperation on security, migration, trade, and artificial intelligence.

The debate is intensifying as Labour's annual conference takes place in Liverpool, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stating that Britain's future lies in a "stronger and deeper" partnership with the EU. While the government's stated policy remains closer cooperation rather than rejoining, the conversation reflects a shift in public opinion, with a recent YouGov poll showing 55% of Britons supporting rejoining the EU, compared to 34% opposing it.