Public sentiment in the United Kingdom is shifting toward rejoining the European Union, with recent polling indicating a majority of citizens now favor returning to the bloc. This shift is fueling an internal revolt within the Labour Party, where senior ministers are challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cautious approach to the Brexit legacy.
Public opinion is becoming a central tension within the Labour government. Recent polling suggests a majority of the UK public supports rejoining the EU, with some trackers showing a lead of up to 14 points for the “Rejoin” position. A significant bloc of Labour MPs and regional leaders is pressuring the government to abandon its cautious stance.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has emerged as a leading voice in this push, labeling Brexit a “catastrophic mistake.” Streeting argued the decision left the United Kingdom “less wealthy, less powerful and less in control.” His comments depart from the official government line, creating a rift between senior cabinet members and the Prime Minister.
Regional leaders are advocating for a more integrated approach. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the UK to rejoin the EU single market and customs union. Khan frames this as a strategic necessity to protect the UK economy from external volatility, specifically citing the risk of US trade tariffs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has maintained a restrictive public position. The government’s formal response to petitions for re-accession states that the UK will not be rejoining the EU. Starmer has argued that a full return would not provide the immediate economic benefits sought by his critics.
Re-accession to the European Union would require the United Kingdom to apply via Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. This process involves a formal application followed by the unanimous approval of all current EU member states. While the government continues to reject calls for a return, the alignment between public polling and senior party figures suggests the debate over the UK’s relationship with the bloc has moved from the political fringes to the mainstream.