Where does UK-EU relationship stand and how might bid to rejoin bloc be received?
The UK-EU relationship is under renewed scrutiny as Labour leadership contenders express support for rejoining the EU. Wes Streeting has called Brexit a 'catastrophic mistake,' while Andy Burnham sees a long-term case for rejoining. However, significant obstacles remain, including the Labour government's red lines on customs and market regulations.
- ▪Wes Streeting, a Labour leadership contender, has described Brexit as a 'catastrophic mistake' and advocates for rejoining the EU.
- ▪Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, acknowledges a long-term case for rejoining the EU but does not support immediate action.
- ▪Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to rebuild the UK's relationship with Europe, but progress has been limited.
- ▪The UK has rejoined the EU's Horizon science programme and plans to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in 2027.
- ▪Obstacles to closer ties include Labour's red lines against returning to the customs union, single market, and freedom of movement.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/17/explainer-uk-eu-relationship-brexit-bid-rejoining |
| Publication time | Sun, 17 May 2026 16:29:12 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-17T16:38:20.794Z |
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It is believed that any UK bid to rejoin the EU would be seriously entertained, at least, given today’s geostrategic realities. Photograph: James Veysey/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenIt is believed that any UK bid to rejoin the EU would be seriously entertained, at least, given today’s geostrategic realities. Photograph: James Veysey/ShutterstockBrexitExplainerWhere does UK-EU relationship stand and how might bid to rejoin bloc be received?Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting calls Brexit a ‘catastrophic mistake’ while Andy Burnham sees ‘long-term case’ for rejoining EUJon Henley European affairs correspondentSun 17 May 2026 12.29 EDTLast modified on Sun 17 May 2026 12.30 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWes Streeting, who resigned as the health secretary last week and has…
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