Brexit may be back, but Britain needs to know what it wants
A decade after the referendum, EU leaders would welcome closer ties – once the UK has understood the ‘European deal’
TL;DR
- Brexit continues to be a divisive issue in UK politics, a decade after the referendum.
- Some UK politicians are suggesting a return to closer ties with the EU, sparking domestic debate and tactical maneuvers.
- EU leaders express a willingness to welcome closer UK-EU relations, but emphasize the need for the UK to understand and accept the associated 'deal,' including responsibilities and potential sovereignty pooling.
- Current UK political red lines, such as no return to the customs union, single market, or free movement, hinder significant rapprochement.
- The economic damage of Brexit is acknowledged, with trade with Europe significantly reduced.
- Geopolitical shifts, including the war in Ukraine and strained US-EU relations, increase the strategic importance of stronger UK-EU ties.
- Any potential return to the EU or closer integration would require the UK to accept terms similar to new members, without opt-outs or special deals.
- An open and honest debate in the UK about the benefits and trade-offs of closer EU ties is necessary but faces significant obstacles.