Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham against taking Britain back into the European Union without a public vote, arguing that such a move would be undemocratic and could be reversed by a future government.
The Prime Minister is examining options for the UK's long-term relationship with Brussels and has not ruled out a pledge to rejoin in Labour's next manifesto. However, the leading Brexiteer said a future Conservative or Reform UK administration could simply take the country back out again if it was returned to the bloc without a referendum.
Rejoin by Act of Parliament would be reversible
Speaking to the Daily Express, Sir Jacob said: "I think not only would it be undemocratic, but it wouldn't be feasible, because if you can join simply by Act of Parliament, you can leave by Act of Parliament."
Pointing out that Labour "will not be in government forever", he added that a future Conservative or Reform UK government could "leave again". He said: "I think people like me, Conservatives, people in Reform, would be absolutely clear that if we were to rejoin by Act of Parliament without the consent of the British people, we would not see that as valid."
Voters would reject another referendum
The former Cabinet minister also predicted that people would vote to stay out if another referendum were held. He said: "Do I think we'll rejoin? No, because when you say to people do you want potentially millions of people coming across from the EU reversing the work that's been done to get immigration under control they say no.
"When you say to them do you want to join the single currency they say no. And when you say to them do you want to give £35billion a year to the EU they say no. So as soon as we get into the debate, people will realise that all the reasons they voted to leave are still true."
Polling shows support for rejoining with opt-outs
YouGov polling in June to mark 10 years since the referendum found that 55% of Britons said they support the UK rejoining the EU. However, this fell to just 35% if Britain did not have its prior opt-outs, with 43% opposed.
Any major change on the relationship with the EU will have to come after the next general election, as Mr Burnham has committed to Labour's 2024 red lines not to return to the single market, customs union or free movement. The Prime Minister, who pledged not to "re-run" the Brexit arguments when standing in the Makerfield by-election, has said voters would be "the boss" of any changes.
