Philip Rycroft, the former permanent secretary at the Department for Exiting the European Union, has suggested that Britain should consider rejoining the European Union, arguing that none of the Leave campaign's "heady promises" have been fulfilled. Writing in The Times, Rycroft acknowledged that the path back to EU membership would be "long and windy," but insisted that the "argument is there to be won" for re-entry.
Political Context
Rycroft's intervention comes despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's firm stance that the United Kingdom will not rejoin the single market or customs union. However, reports indicate that some senior government figures are pushing for a policy review on the matter. Rycroft pointed to YouGov polling data showing that 53 per cent of the public now favour rejoining the EU, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion since the 2016 referendum.
Economic and Policy Criticisms
The former civil servant highlighted economic analyses suggesting a notable hit to GDP since leaving the single market. He attributed growing public disillusionment with Brexit to the lack of sustained economic growth and the failure to achieve a broadly accepted immigration policy. "None of the heady promises of the Leave campaign have materialised," Rycroft wrote, emphasising that the economic benefits touted by Brexiteers have not come to pass.
Reactions and Implications
Starmer has previously condemned the "Brexit template" as "utterly reckless" during a speech at the Lady Mayor's event, but has not shifted his position on rejoining. Rycroft's comments add to a growing debate within political circles about the UK's future relationship with the EU, though any move toward re-entry would face substantial political and procedural hurdles.
