No 10 gathering evidence on public support for UK rejoining EU

Senior Downing Street officials are consulting think tanks and pollsters to gauge public support for the UK rejoining the European Union. Aides to Andy Burnham have been discussing how the public might react to a pledge to rejoin, as momentum grows within the Labour party to include such a commitment in their next manifesto. Burnham himself has indicated that rejoining the EU should be considered as an option for Britain's future relationship with Europe. This exploration is part of a broader effort to test public opinion and potential political implications, with some within government keen to explore re-entry while others express caution. French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Burnham's comments, suggesting it would be "very good news" if Britain were to rejoin.

British opinion polls indicate the Labour Party is gaining favor, with a phenomenon dubbed the "Burnham bounce" following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's early tenure. This surge appears to be at the expense of Reform UK, which has seen a dip in support. While some polls show Labour ahead of Reform UK, others suggest Reform UK is still slightly leading, highlighting the fragility of Labour's gains. Experts suggest Labour's recovery is more due to left-wing and liberal voters aligning with Burnham's direction than a significant shift from Reform voters. Reform UK's appeal may be declining due to financial scandals, while Burnham is reportedly regaining ground on the left. The article notes that Labour's overall position improved after Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister, with Burnham further boosting support.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the UK is considering a range of future relationships with the European Union, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc. Speaking after the Labour conference, Burnham stated that ministers will examine "what is doable" and the "pros and cons" of various options, which could range from maintaining current arrangements to seeking a customs union, rejoining the single market, or full EU membership. This represents a shift from Labour's previous stance, which explicitly ruled out returning to the single market or customs union. Burnham plans to present these options to the public around the time of the UK-EU summit in November, arguing that Brexit has caused "more harm than good" and that a clear long-term relationship with the EU is necessary.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Andy Burnham's suggestion that the UK could rejoin the EU, stating it would be "very good news" for both the UK and Europeans. Speaking alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid, Macron expressed that if Britain desires to return and the Prime Minister moves in that direction, the EU would be open. Sánchez echoed this sentiment, saying Spain would welcome any bid from the UK. Macron, who has previously criticized Brexit, emphasized that the UK cannot selectively benefit from EU freedoms while remaining outside. EU officials indicated openness to discussions on closer ties, including customs union or single market membership, but stressed that the UK must define its desired relationship.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have indicated that the European Union would welcome the United Kingdom rejoining the bloc. This statement followed new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's suggestion of the possibility of the UK's return. Speaking in Madrid on Wednesday during Macron's two-day visit, Macron remarked, "Welcome back," and stated that Burnham "is moving in that direction," deeming it "very good news." Both leaders expressed a positive reception to this potential development.