Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened a debate on whether Britain should rejoin the European Union, arguing that Brexit continues to inflict economic damage on the nation. The move is politically risky and divisive, but Burnham has said the issue is urgent and cannot be avoided. The accumulated cost of severing links with Britain's largest trading partner is estimated at between 6% and 8% of gross domestic product, a figure described as representing one of the greatest acts of self-harm by a British government in recent history.
Public opinion has shifted markedly against Brexit. Nearly 60% of Britons now regard leaving the EU as a mistake, with only around a third still in favour. Almost a quarter of those who voted to leave now regret that decision. Burnham has pointed to specific damage affecting key industries. The car sector has suffered particularly badly, while agriculture remains hampered by extensive regulatory burdens. Fish spoils in inspection sheds, and vehicles and passengers face lengthy delays at borders.
Burnham has committed to honouring Labour's 2024 election pledge not to rejoin the EU during this parliament. However, he wants to revive public discussion on the issue and has expressed a personal aspiration to see Brexit eventually reversed. For now, he is calling for honest discussion about where future negotiations might lead. He has suggested the possibility of free movement for EU passport holders, a suggestion that provoked fierce reactions from pro-Brexit politicians including Reform UK's Nigel Farage, who denounced it as a betrayal and catastrophe.
Public support for rejoining the EU is significantly higher than support for full membership. While 55% of Britons would support rejoining, that figure drops to 35% if the condition involves surrendering previous opt-outs such as joining the euro or participating in the Schengen passport-free travel zone. A middle-ground model could involve Britain holding a bespoke position within a wider European economic area, though this might prove unacceptable to some existing EU member states. Alternative arrangements could include membership of the European Free Trade Association or participation in a customs union.
Burnham must proceed cautiously, as the public's regret over Brexit does not translate into clear agreement on alternatives. Europeans remain sceptical about whether Britain genuinely wants to rejoin, and many will resist demands for extensive opt-outs or concessions. Burnham has suggested that negotiations resuming in Brussels next month should focus on reducing trade barriers and promoting cultural and security ties, avoiding questions of sovereignty. One proposed approach would establish a cross-party Commons committee to monitor the talks and move the conversation forward.
For UK savers, borrowers, businesses and investors, the estimated 6% to 8% loss of GDP from Brexit represents a significant ongoing drag on the economy's size and potential growth.