The prospect of another EU referendum is back in play as Andy Burnham looks for ways to reverse a decade of economic stagnation. But for Polly Toynbee, the idea of a re-run of the "most self-destructive vote in our history" is dismaying.
Writing in the Guardian, Toynbee recalls the morning a decade ago when the BBC's 4.40am verdict confirmed Leave had won, a moment that tore a rift across the country. UK politics became a circus, with seven prime ministers in 10 years, and both Labour and the Tories were wrecked by the event.
Burnham Breaks the Silence
Burnham has finally broken the spell of Brexit silence, aiming to rejoin, while the Tories remain in the wilderness until they repent the Brexit disaster. The IPPR, the thinktank closest to Labour, has published a report on how full EU membership can happen and why it must, citing prosperity, security and democracy.
The report notes that Brexit has robbed the UK of 8% of GDP. IPPR and Persuasion UK polling finds 52% want to rejoin, 29% to stay out. The least popular option was leaving things as they are.
Caution Before Another Vote
Toynbee argues that the shift to 52% vs 29% is not yet strong enough to risk everything. The IPPR admits the support is still "soft". She warns of the monstrous lies and fabrications of a modern referendum campaign, recalling the £350m-a-week bus and "take back control".
The report reveals traps to avoid, including joining the euro, scrapping other trade deals, giving up fishing rights, and high EU budget contributions. The most effective reasons for rejoining include passport queues, security in a world exposed by Ukraine, and bringing back lost foreign investment.
Toynbee concludes that there should be no referendum until public opinion is so solid that it would be a mere rubber-stamping of the overwhelming public will. As the EU ambassador told the Guardian's Patrick Wintour, the ball is in the UK's court, with Brussels "ready to engage" once Britain decides what it wants.
