Sir Tony Blair's think tank has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union within the next 10 years, a demand backed by businessman Sir Richard Branson, who branded Brexit an "unmitigated disaster".
The Tony Blair Institute report argues that Britain rejoining a "significantly reformed" Brussels, alongside reforms inside the bloc, could see Europe become a superpower capable of challenging the US and China.
Ex-PM's foreword calls for new approach
In the foreword, the former prime minister wrote: "The red lines which we drew in 2016 are not the same as 2026."
He added: "We need a new approach which makes sense of the world as it has changed in this decade, and which treats our future relationship in Europe not as a question about whether Britain 'reverses' Brexit but about whether we can secure a modern relationship with Europe which is in our national interest today.
"There is no point in inching towards Europe as we feel what British public opinion might accommodate. We should be clear that we want to be back in a formal relationship with the EU. But it must be a Europe on a credible path to reform, a Europe of nation states, a Europe capable of being a genuine global power.
"Otherwise, though Britain should continue to co-operate with the EU where it is in our mutual interest to do so, and though we should always remain open to changing circumstances, Britain will show that it can and is prepared to remain independent."
Branson demands second chance
Meanwhile, Sir Richard lashed out at Brexit, branding it an "unmitigated disaster".
The Virgin Group founder wrote on LinkedIn: "As a majority of UK voters now feel regret over the Brexit vote, they must be given a second chance to determine what is in their best interest."
The Tories warned the Prime Minister against "trying to turn back the clock".
Tories warn against turning back the clock
Tory Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said: "Andy Burnham has left the door open to rejoining the EU and now Tony Blair is piling the pressure on him to drag us back into the bloc.
"Labour should stop trying to turn back the clock and instead focus on setting out serious proposals for the future."
Mr Burnham has committed to Labour's red lines on Brexit in the party's 2024 manifesto, including not returning to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement. But earlier this week, the PM left the door open to including a pledge to rejoin the EU in Labour's next election manifesto.
