Brexit may be back, but Britain needs to know what it wants

Recent discussions in Britain about Brexit's future, including remarks from a potential Prime Minister calling it a "catastrophic mistake," highlight the ongoing divisions within the UK. While some politicians see potential benefits in closer EU ties, current Labour policy, as outlined in their manifesto, prevents significant rapprochement due to red lines on customs union, single market, and free movement. EU leaders, facing a changed geopolitical landscape, are open to stronger UK-EU relations, with some welcoming the UK back to the single market, provided all associated privileges and duties are accepted. However, the UK's reluctance to "pay to play" has already led to exclusion from certain EU funds. Public opinion in both the UK and EU countries shows a desire for closer ties, with a majority of Britons favoring them and over half supporting rejoining the EU.

The Labour Party is facing internal debate about rejoining the European Union as potential leadership challenges to Keir Starmer emerge. Wes Streeting, who recently resigned as health secretary, publicly stated that the 2016 decision to leave the EU was a "catastrophic mistake" and advocated for rejoining the bloc. This resurgence of the Brexit rejoining question comes amid a leadership crisis for Starmer, with two key figures identified as potential challengers. The article suggests that the prospect of undoing Brexit is being discussed within the Labour Party as they consider a future beyond Starmer's leadership.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is being positioned as a potential successor to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces internal party pressure following poor local election results. Burnham plans to seek a parliamentary seat in Ashton-in-Makerfield, with supporters believing he could replace Starmer by Labour's September conference. Despite a perception of being an outsider, Burnham has prior experience as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary of State for Health. His tenure as mayor has focused on devolved powers and public transport reforms, earning him the moniker "King of the North." Burnham has also taken stances on national issues, such as calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

European Green parties have officially called for the United Kingdom to consider rejoining the European Union, labeling Brexit a "political and economic failure." This stance was adopted by a large majority of European Green parties at their annual leadership meeting in Brussels. The declaration, which urges the UK to reverse Brexit, aims to initiate a debate within the UK about its future relationship with the EU. The European Greens stated they are ready to welcome the UK back when it chooses to pursue this path. This intervention comes amidst recent UK local election results and broader calls for energy independence and action against the far-right.

Reform UK has achieved significant gains in England's local council elections, taking hundreds of seats from the Labour Party. The populist right-wing party, led by Nigel Farage, has secured over 500 seats and four councils, with Farage stating Labour is being "wiped out" in traditional areas. This outcome represents a major setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, who have lost approximately 300 councillors. These local election results, held on May 8, 2026, are seen as a potential springboard for Reform UK's challenge in the next UK general election, expected by 2029. Experts suggest Reform UK's success in local government will be crucial in demonstrating their ability to govern and will likely intensify internal pressure on Starmer's leadership.

Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as leader of the UK Labour Party despite significant losses in recent local elections. The results, which occurred on Friday, May 8, 2026, saw Labour punished by voters in traditional strongholds, particularly in central and northern England. The populist Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, emerged as a major beneficiary, gaining over 350 council seats in England and potentially becoming the main opposition in Scotland and Wales. These local election drubbings have intensified doubts about Starmer's ability to govern, though he remains defiant in his commitment to delivering change for Britain.