Downing Street tests support for possible UK return to EU

Senior Downing Street officials have been consulting thinktanks and pollsters about public support for the United Kingdom potentially rejoining the European Union, The Guardian reports. The discussions follow Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s statement that a government review of Britain’s future relationship with Europe should include the option of rejoining the bloc. Burnham had earlier said the government would consider different arrangements, including remaining outside the EU, a customs union, the single market or full re-entry.

Some officials are considering whether Labour could promise at least to negotiate over re-entry in its next manifesto. Others fear that such a commitment could strengthen Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The Guardian said officials had spoken to several thinktanks and polling organisations involved in examining the arguments for rejoining and testing public opinion.

A paper by the Tony Blair Institute has argued for talks with Brussels, subject to changes in some European regulations. The pro-EU group Best for Britain has also published polling it says suggests Labour could increase its parliamentary representation if it promised to rejoin. No 10 denied that Burnham had considered promising to begin work on rejoining after the next election, saying the proposal was not included in any draft of his speech.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Burnham’s comments, saying a British move towards re-entry would be good news for Britain and Europe. An EU spokesperson said the UK remained a close and valued partner and that it was for the British government to set out its preferred relationship. The discussions come alongside talks over UK-EU trade arrangements and the possibility of a summit on November 20.

The source material says some officials believe Brussels may be reluctant to reopen accession negotiations.