Should the UK Rejoin the EU?

The worse bargaining position that Britain finds itself in coupled with the importance of focusing on other issues, particularly so soon after leaving the EU, mean that rejoining in the near future is both impractical and unlikely.

Bargaining Position - While it is not clear whether the UK could rejoin at this point, their bargaining power would be much reduced if they tried. Considering the terms the UK left on and the ever-changing Brexit deal, the EU would inevitably have the upper hand in negotiations to rejoin. The UK would most likely only be offered re-entry by joining the Eurozone and would see its influence weakened. Prior to Brexit, Britain was one of the big four but with other countries setting the terms, they’d enjoy much less power.

Too Early - It is very unlikely that both the EU and the UK public will be willing to start talks of the UK joining the EU. A political fatigue in the UK, much of which was caused by the lengthy Brexit process, means that any kind of referendum talks would be shut down. Similarly, for the EU, the hassle simply isn’t worth it so soon after the UK officially left. The polls show that in 2024, only 7% of voters see Britain’s relationship with the EU as of importance. Ultimately, voters don’t care enough to have the appetite for more negotiations and EU issues dominating the media.

Only 7% of voters see Britain’s relationship with the EU as of importance

Distraction - Rejoining the EU would require diverting the attention of Parliament and the government to the complexities of rejoining and negotiating a deal. However, there are currently too many issues on the agenda for this to be a realistic option. The new government has issues of their own, managing their response to crises in the Middle East and regaining the trust of voters, particularly on the economy. Starmer himself has dismissed it: ‘Britain will not rejoin the EU in my lifetime’. This rules out the possibility of politicians putting time and effort into the issue so achieving an effective deal simply isn’t realistic at this time.

The length of the Brexit process and the lack of political appetite in government to rejoin do not lessen the potential benefits that exist for the UK being part of the EU again. While the public might not see the issue as of huge importance, they do broadly support rejoining, and for good reason.

Economic Isolation - Rejoining the EU would inevitably mean rejoining the customs union and single market, having left as part of Brexit. This could have significant positive economic impacts, reversing the current partial economic isolation from the EU that the UK experiences. Bearing in mind that the EU is a key trading partner, the lower trading costs and free movement of goods would be a clear benefit, particularly for small businesses that are struggling to afford to import. An estimated 53% of all UK trade is with the EU so renewing ties makes significant economic sense.

Travel Opportunities - Since leaving the EU, travel opportunities and living abroad has become considerably harder. Something particularly affecting students and those wanting careers abroad, freedom of movement is no longer available so it is both more expensive and harder to live and study abroad. UK citizens now need a visa if they wish to live in an EU country for more than 90 days. Rejoining the EU would reintroduce freedom of movement, helping to give greater opportunity for travel and opening up more professional opportunities.

An estimated 53% of all UK trade is with the EU so renewing ties makes significant economic sense

Human Rights - When the UK left the EU, the decision was taken to stop the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights impacting UK law. Although law was copied over to UK law, this has already been altered by Parliament. Additionally, while the ECHR has no connection to the EU, leaving the EU has prompted discussions of the UK leaving the ECHR, not least because of the small boats crisis that developed following Brexit. If the UK were to rejoin the EU, this could ease the pressure to leave and ensure that these protections remain in place.