Tony Blair Urges Britain to Rejoin EU Within Next Decade 2026

Tony Blair has said Britain should work towards rejoining the EU in the next 10 years, intensifying pressure on Labour leader Andy Burnham to reconsider the party's reluctance to revisit the 2016 referendum. The former prime minister's intervention comes via a new paper from the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) titled A Path to Rejoining a Reformed Europe, which advocates for the UK to accept free movement of people and make financial contributions as the price of entry.

Blair's Call to Action for EU Rejoin

In the paper's foreword, Blair argues that Britain should signal its intention to enter a structured formal relationship with Europe if the terms are right. "Britain should signal an intention if the terms are right to enter into a structured formal relationship with Europe and initiate a process of negotiation where everything is on the table but nothing agreed until everything is agreed," he writes. The TBI researchers add: "Over the next decade, Britain should work towards the ambition of rejoining a significantly reformed EU."

This move adds to growing pressure on Burnham, who has declined to rule out promising to rejoin the EU in the next Labour manifesto. However, it also threatens to reopen the deep rifts caused by the Brexit vote a decade ago.

Implications for UK Business and Trade

For UK businesses, rejoining the EU could mean significant changes in trade dynamics. The current post-Brexit trade agreement has created additional red tape and costs for exporters. A return to the single market and customs union would likely reduce friction, but it would also require accepting free movement of people—a contentious issue.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been particularly hard hit by new customs checks and regulatory hurdles. According to a recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce, 60% of SMEs reported increased costs due to Brexit. Rejoining could alleviate these burdens but would also mean aligning with EU regulations, which some sectors may resist.

Key Takeaways

• Tony Blair advocates for the UK to work towards rejoining the EU within the next decade.
• The Tony Blair Institute proposes accepting free movement and financial contributions as conditions for re-entry.
• Labour leader Andy Burnham faces pressure to include EU rejoin in the next manifesto.
• Rejoining could reduce trade barriers but may reignite political divisions.
• Businesses, especially SMEs, could benefit from smoother trade with the EU.

Comparing Brexit vs. Rejoin: Potential Business Impact

Political Reactions and Challenges

Blair is not alone in his stance. Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, has called the Brexit vote a "catastrophic mistake" and said the party should aim to rejoin the EU. However, others within Labour remain cautious, fearing that reopening the Brexit debate could alienate voters in Leave-supporting areas.

The paper also suggests that the UK should seek a "structured formal relationship" with the EU, which could include participation in EU agencies and programs. This approach aims to rebuild trust and cooperation without immediately triggering the Article 50 process. The background to this story is set out in Burnham's EU Rejoin Dream: Reynolds Cautious on Closer Ties.

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