UK Rejoining EU: Could Britain Reverse Brexit After Next Election 2026

Could the UK really rejoin the EU? That question has burst back into British politics after Andy Burnham, a senior Labour figure, declared that Brexit had done “more harm than good.” His remarks, made during the Labour party’s annual conference, signal a potential U-turn on the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Burnham’s intervention breaks a long-standing taboo. By discarding the “red lines” that previously constrained Labour’s stance on Europe, he has opened the door to a serious debate about reversing Brexit. Over the coming weeks, he will gauge public support before outlining options for the UK’s future relationship with its largest trading partner.

The Economic Case for Rejoining the EU

The evidence that Brexit has damaged the British economy is overwhelming. Estimates of the hit to GDP range from 6% to 8%—a permanent loss of output that has left the UK poorer than it would have been inside the bloc. Trade barriers, customs checks, and the loss of passporting rights for financial services have all taken their toll.

Proponents of rejoining argue that the single market and customs union are essential for restoring growth. They point to the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people as the foundation of Europe’s prosperity. For many businesses, especially SMEs, the red tape introduced by Brexit has been a nightmare.

What Would Rejoining Look Like?

Rejoining the EU would not be a simple return to the pre-2016 status quo. The UK would likely have to accept the euro, the Schengen area, and the EU’s legal order—conditions that may be politically toxic. Alternatively, a Switzerland-style deal or a Norway-style EEA membership could be more palatable, but both come with their own trade-offs.

Burnham’s approach is to first build public consensus. He will not be bound by the red lines that his predecessor, Keir Starmer, enshrined in Labour’s 2024 manifesto. Those pledges—no single market, no customs union, no free movement—were designed to reassure Brexit voters. Now, they are being quietly discarded.

Comparing Brexit Outcomes: A Data Snapshot

The table below summarises the key economic indicators under different scenarios.

These estimates are based on economic modelling by the Office for Budget Responsibility and independent think tanks. They show that rejoining could recover much of the lost output, but the gains would take years to materialise.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• Andy Burnham has broken Labour’s Brexit taboo, calling the decision to leave “more harm than good.”
• Economic damage is significant, with GDP 6-8% lower than it would have been.
• Rejoining the EU is now a real possibility, but it would require accepting tough conditions.
• Public opinion is shifting, with polls showing a narrow majority now favouring closer ties.
• The next election could be a de facto referendum on Britain’s relationship with Europe.

The path to rejoining is fraught with political risk. But for the first time since 2016, the conversation is no longer about how hard or soft Brexit should be—it’s about whether Brexit should happen at all.

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