The United Kingdom could potentially rejoin the European Union within a single parliamentary term if a future government chose to align closely with Brussels, according to a report by pro-European campaign group Best for Britain.
The report, discussed by the Financial Times on Sunday, argues that the UK has diverged relatively little from EU rules since Brexit and remains closely integrated with the bloc’s markets. It points to shared regulatory standards and existing economic links as factors that could make a return faster than some other accession processes.
The proposal comes as Britain’s political debate over Brexit has reopened. Labour leader Andy Burnham has called for a national discussion about the economic consequences of leaving the EU, while several European leaders have signalled that closer relations would be welcome. Public opinion has also shifted, with polling cited in the report showing 52% support for rejoining.
However, the timetable is far from guaranteed. Any application would have to proceed under Article 49 of the EU Treaty and receive approval from every member state. Britain would also need to settle difficult questions about the single market, the euro and Schengen, while overcoming domestic political opposition.
The report therefore presents a possible political timetable rather than an agreed plan or a forecast of an imminent return. The next steps would depend on the policy choices of a future UK government and the willingness of EU capitals to negotiate.
Read the Financial Times report.
