A decade after the referendum, Brexit has resurfaced in British political discourse following comments by Labour leadership candidate Wes Streeting, who called Brexit 'a catastrophic mistake' and advocated for the UK's return to the EU. The remarks highlight the enduring divide between Leave and Remain voters, with Streeting's stance seen as a tactical move to differentiate himself from rival Andy Burnham, who has softened his pro-EU position to appeal to Leave voters in a by-election.
While the UK's internal debate over Europe is no longer news on the continent, there is growing interest in closer ties. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised a 'reset' with the EU, but progress has been limited to minor steps, such as rejoining the Erasmus+ programme. A youth mobility scheme is stalled over tuition fee disputes, and UK integration into Europe's electricity market is held up by London's refusal to pay into EU cohesion funds. The UK has also been excluded from the EU's SAFE defence procurement fund due to reluctance to contribute financially.
The economic damage of Brexit is now widely acknowledged, with the National Bureau of Economic Research estimating a 6-8% hit to GDP and a 15% reduction in UK-EU trade. Public opinion reflects this, with YouGov polling showing 63% of Britons favour closer EU ties and 55% support rejoining. Geopolitical shifts, including Russia's war in Ukraine and strained transatlantic relations, have further incentivised EU leaders to seek stronger ties with the UK. Figures like Finland's Alexander Stubb and Hungary's Péter Magyar have expressed hope for Britain's return, while French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the UK would be welcomed 'with open arms' if it rejoined the single market.
