{
  "id": 14123383,
  "title": "Closer to Europe? Fine but please don’t align us down",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/closer-to-europe-fine-but-please-dont-align-us-down",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-13T04:34:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/closer-to-europe-fine-but-please-dont-align-us-down/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Instead of focusing on outdated Brexit debates, the UK and EU should work together on mutual recognition and adopt the best elements of each other’s private market frameworks, according to Kieron O’Brien. The French minister, Roland Lescure, encouraged Britain to return to the EU, stating it would be an open door for rejoining. Labour's new Prime Minister will tell MPs that it would be a \"dereliction of duty\" to reject closer ties with the European Union if they can be negotiated. With talks ahead of the November EU-UK Summit and a possible general election next year, debate is set to intensify. The Prime Minister has previously hinted at holding a second Brexit referendum to reignite old debates, but it is crucial to approach the situation with caution and seize the opportunities at hand. When it comes to start-ups raising capital, the UK's mature private market frameworks and straightforward legal system are among the best in the world. Republic Europe, a platform based in Dublin, helps European start-ups raise funds through crowdfunding and secondary markets. In 2025, £209 was committed to campaigns via Republic across the UK and EU. Innovation is the key to any growing economy, and both Europe and the UK are competing globally. Many founders are at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies in fields such as medtech, climate tech, clean energy, and fintech. They want to raise as much money as possible with the least hassle and on the most favorable terms. Achieving this does not require a referendum or rejoining the Customs Union, but rather a collaborative effort to enhance the systems we currently have in place. Republic has been running EU-regulated crowdfunding campaigns since 2023 and UK-regulated crowdfunding campaigns for an even longer period. By examining the strengths of each system, the EU could benefit from the UK's EIS and SEIS schemes, which offer investors upfront relief and potential Capital Gains Tax exemptions. The UK also has the FCA’s regulatory sandbox, private-market trading venues, and regulated gateways that make it easier for early-stage companies to raise equity investments and for investors to find opportunities. A founder capital corridor and mutual recognition schemes could boost enterprise and innovation for both parties. There is no need to wait for another referendum; taking action now would be more beneficial.",
  "summary": "Instead of rehashing old Brexit debates, the UK and EU should collaborate on mutual recognition and adopt the best elements of each other’s private market frameworks to help start-ups raise capital more efficiently, says Kieron O’Brien “Come back to the EU anytime”, French minister Roland Lescure said last week, adding that if Britain wanted to [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}