Wes Streeting beforehand described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” that has left Britain “much less rich, much less highly effective and fewer in management”.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Picture: Getty)
A petition calling for the UK to reapply to hitch the EU has handed 100,000 signatures, forcing Parliament to contemplate a debate and ramping up strain on Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour authorities to desert its Brexit purple strains. The petition, titled “Apply to rejoin the EU as quickly as doable to extend progress within the UK”, was launched in December by Robert McMaster of Berkshire for Europe, a part of the European Motion UK community. It reached the milestone on Wednesday, changing into the second such petition to hit the edge beneath the present authorities.
Mr McMaster claimed Brexit has “failed” and {that a} “clear majority” now desires to return. Mr McMaster stated: “Ten years after the Brexit vote and 6 years for the reason that UK left the EU, it has grow to be clear that the UK public not helps leaving the EU.” He urged pro-EU teams to arrange debates on rejoining phrases, even when much less beneficial than earlier than. Dr Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Motion UK, added that help for full membership is “getting stronger and extra decided”.
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Nevertheless, YouGov polling revealed this week, primarily based on fieldwork from 20-22 Might 2026, exhibits help for rejoining at 56%, with 35% opposed. Amongst 2016 Depart voters, backing stands at simply 22%. A separate YouGov discovering reveals the general public is internet against rejoining if Britain can’t hold key opt-outs comparable to retaining the pound.
Help for merely sustaining the present post-Brexit relationship is internet damaging, whereas additional loosening ties is backed by simply 19%. A more in-depth relationship wanting rejoining, the one market or customs union enjoys 70% help.
The petition’s progress revives recollections of final 12 months’s three-hour parliamentary debate, the place most collaborating MPs criticised the federal government’s place on Brexit. Organisers plan extra petitions each six months to maintain momentum.
Prime Minister Sir Keir has pursued a restricted “reset” with the EU, together with post-summit offers on agri-food, power and emissions buying and selling designed to ease sure limitations with out re-entering the bloc or its core buildings. The Prime Minister has repeatedly insisted the UK won’t rejoin the EU, single market or customs union, framing the modifications as pragmatic enhancements that respect the referendum outcome.
But senior Labour figures are brazenly questioning that stance. Former Well being Secretary Wes Streeting, a number one contender for the social gathering management, has described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” that has left Britain “much less rich, much less highly effective and fewer in management”.
Mr Streeting has argued that the UK’s long-term future lies “again within the European Union” and known as for a brand new “particular relationship” as a step in the direction of that objective.
Brexit supporters see such feedback as proof of a gradual betrayal of the 2016 vote, which delivered a 52-48 majority to depart. Reform UK voters stay firmly against nearer integration.
The Authorities initially responded to the petition at 10,000 signatures by stating bluntly: “The UK won’t be rejoining the EU.” Campaigners declare public temper has since shifted, however polls present rejoin help stays properly wanting the decisive majorities seen within the unique Brexit referendum.
Mr McMaster known as on petition signatories to foyer MPs with private tales of Brexit’s alleged affect forward of any debate. European Motion UK hopes dozens extra MPs will use the platform to push the Authorities.
Critics of rejoining notice that EU accession would possible demand acceptance of the complete physique of EU legislation with out Britain’s former opt-outs, doubtlessly together with the euro and Schengen. Separate analysis has proven internet public opposition beneath these circumstances.
Because the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum approaches, the petition marks one other flashpoint within the ongoing battle over Britain’s EU relationship.
Sir Keir’s reset has been attacked from one aspect as inadequate and from the opposite as the beginning of a reversal. With financial arguments on either side and Depart voters nonetheless forming a considerable bloc, any transfer in the direction of rejoining dangers reopening deep nationwide divisions.
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