Saying the unsayable: Why rejoining the European Union is finally back on the agenda
The economic and security case for a return to the European Union is compelling
On June 24, 2016, the day after the Brexit referendum, Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the nation: “The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected... there can be no doubt about the result.” Having led the unsuccessful Remain campaign, he also announced his resignation.
Since then, a persistent message from many leading Remainers has been that the UK has made its decision and must live with it, for better or worse.
Labour’s 2024 election manifesto ruled out a return to the EU customs union, single market or freedom of movement. Keir Starmer said he doubted that any of these things would happen in his lifetime. Even the Liberal Democrats, the most Europhile party, regard EU membership as only a “long-term goal”, calling instead for the UK to join the Single Market and customs union.
A heavy blow to the economy
However, there are now real signs that this reticence is changing. On Tuesday, Andy Burnham bluntly stated what has been obvious for some time: “Brexit has done more harm than good.” And he has now said it is “possible” Labour’s next election manifesto could include an in-out EU referendum.
The reason? The public mood is shifting. A new poll of 14,000 people has suggested that Labour would pay a heavy price in Scotland at the next general election if it does not pledge to rejoin the EU. Brexiteers will point out the survey was commissioned by a pro-EU group, but it was carried out by YouGov, a respected pollster.
READ MORE: Andy Burnham must finally meet 64-year-old challenge about Britain’s lost place in the world
A recent study of the economic effects of Brexit found that, by 2025, the UK’s gross domestic product per capita was an estimated 6 to 8 per cent lower than it would have been if we were still in the EU. Investment, employment and productivity were also hit.
Furthermore, there are pressing defence and security reasons to be an EU member. With Vladimir Putin’s warmongering and an unreliable ally in the White House, the UK must keep as close as possible to its fellow European democracies.
It’s time to start saying what was once unsayable: it’s time to talk seriously about a return to the EU.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.