Officials from the previous Keir Starmer government warned that re-entry could cost an additional £5 billion per year due to the loss of the budget rebate secured by Margaret Thatcher. The EU has expressed openness to engagement but indicated that freedom of movement would remain a non-negotiable condition for any return. Additionally, rejoining the bloc or entering a customs union would invalidate various free trade agreements Britain has signed since Brexit, though UK carbon prices rose following Burnham's announcements.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Andy Burnham Opens Path to EU Rejoin Referendum
Geopolitics19 days ago
The prime minister of the United Kingdom told the BBC that he may include a public vote on returning to the European Union in his party's next election manifesto. Andy Burnham has called for a UK-EU summit later this year to evaluate a new long-term relationship with the bloc, arguing that the departure in 2020 has done more harm than good. This policy review, which follows the resolution of a dispute over a 'Made in Europe' initiative, will consider options ranging from joining a customs union or the single market to full membership in the EU.
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