Former EU officials involved in the Brexit negotiations have warned that Britain would not be able to rejoin the European Union on the favourable terms it previously enjoyed, as debate over closer ties with Europe resurfaces within the UK’s Labour Party.
Wes Streeting recently argued that the UK should eventually return to the EU, while Andy Burnham has also expressed support for rejoining during his lifetime. Their comments have reignited discussion over Britain’s future relationship with Europe following Brexit.
However, former EU negotiators stressed that any future membership bid would require Britain to accept standard EU rules, including possible participation in the euro and the Schengen free movement zone. Georg Riekeles, a former adviser on the EU’s Brexit taskforce, said the bloc would likely welcome a British application but would reject any return to what he described as “British exceptionalism”.
During its previous membership, the UK secured several opt-outs and special arrangements, including exemptions from the euro and Schengen systems, alongside a rebate on EU budget contributions. Former Italian Europe minister Sandro Gozi said those tailor-made arrangements were no longer realistic and that Britain would be expected to negotiate like any other candidate country.
Despite this, European figures suggested there would still be political goodwill towards a future British return, particularly amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and security concerns linked to Russia and global instability. Alternatives such as closer single market alignment or participation in a proposed European security council were also mentioned as possible intermediate options.
EU officials nevertheless stressed that any serious move towards rejoining would require a clear and lasting political consensus within Britain before formal discussions could begin.
via The Guardian
