Calls Grow for Britain to Rejoin EU as Brexit Discontent Mounts

Britain should begin discussions about rejoining the European Union, according to Philip Rycroft, a former senior civil servant who led the Brexit department. His comments, made in a recent article in The Times, come at a time when public sentiment appears to be shifting, with a YouGov poll indicating that 53% of people now favor rejoining the EU. This discussion is gaining traction within the Labour Party, as discontent over Brexit continues to grow.

Why it matters: Rycroft's remarks highlight a growing concern among some political figures that the economic fallout from Brexit is more severe than anticipated, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the UK's relationship with the EU.

• Rycroft stated that the argument for rejoining the EU is "there to be won" but cautioned that the path back could be a "long and windy" road.
• He emphasized that most economic analyses indicate a notable decline in GDP since the UK left the single market, contradicting claims of economic prosperity post-Brexit.
• The former civil servant pointed out that the promises made during the Brexit campaign, particularly concerning trade and immigration, have not materialized as expected.

Driving the news: Rycroft's intervention comes as Labour leaders, including Keir Starmer, face increasing pressure to adopt a more favorable stance toward the EU.

• Starmer has previously asserted that the UK will not rejoin the single market or customs union, yet there are reports of rising support within the party for a policy review.
• In January 2026, Starmer suggested that the UK should explore "even closer alignment" with the single market if deemed beneficial for national interests.
• Concerns have also emerged about the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in Europe following Brexit, raising questions about the implications of the current policies.

State of play: The Labour Party is experiencing internal turmoil as some MPs prepare to challenge Starmer's leadership, particularly in light of upcoming local elections.

• Disgruntled Labour MPs are reportedly planning to oust Starmer quickly, citing fears of historic losses in the elections.
• One Labour MP mentioned the need for swift action to avoid prolonged speculation about leadership contests, which could create uncertainty.
• The party is also bracing for potential losses in the Senedd, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK gaining ground in the polls.

The big picture: Rycroft's insights resonate with a broader sentiment of disillusionment surrounding Brexit, as many citizens grapple with the economic realities of leaving the EU.

• His assertion that the UK has not experienced sustained economic growth post-Brexit aligns with findings from various economic studies that show a downturn in trade and investment.
• Rycroft underscored the geopolitical shifts affecting the UK, noting that the security certainties established after World War II are fading, particularly with Russia's aggression in Europe.
• He concluded that it may be time for the UK to "knock on the EU’s door" to discuss rejoining, emphasizing the need for solidarity with European neighbors.

What they're saying: Rycroft's call for rejoining has sparked a polarized response from political figures across the spectrum.

• Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, labeled Rycroft an "enemy of democracy" for his views, accusing him of attempting to undermine Brexit.
• Farage criticized Rycroft for wanting to "choke the funding of political opponents" who disagree with him, framing the discussion as an attack on democratic principles.
• Other prominent Brexiteers echoed Farage's sentiments, with Mark Francois asserting that parts of the establishment have never accepted the 2016 referendum result.

By the numbers: Recent polling and economic data underline the shifting perspectives on Brexit.

• The YouGov poll reveals that 53% of respondents support rejoining the EU, a notable increase in pro-EU sentiment.
• Economic analysis suggests that the UK's GDP has suffered significantly since leaving the single market, challenging the narrative of a successful Brexit.
• Polling indicates that Labour's support is waning, with concerns about leadership and policy direction becoming increasingly pronounced.

What's next: As the political climate evolves, the Labour Party will likely face mounting pressure to clarify its stance on EU relations.

• With local elections approaching, Labour's strategy on Brexit could significantly impact its electoral prospects and internal cohesion.
• Rycroft's comments may prompt a broader debate about the future of the UK's relationship with the EU, particularly if economic conditions do not improve.
• As the situation develops, the government will need to address the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens abroad to alleviate growing concerns.

This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not necessarily represent independently verified reporting.