UK’s Path Back to the EU Will Hit Hard Post-Brexit Realities

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   UK considers rejoining EU as post-Brexit realities set in

   The UK is weighing options to repair its relationship with the EU, including rejoining the bloc, according to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This comes as the country faces economic challenges and shifting public opinion on Brexit. Burnham's comments have sparked debate and division within his cabinet, with some ministers expressing support and others opposition. The UK's potential return to the EU has garnered interest from EU member states, including France and Spain.

   Why it matters

   The UK's departure from the EU, known as Brexit, has had significant economic and social impacts. As the country approaches the 10-year anniversary of the Brexit referendum, public opinion on the matter appears to be shifting. The possibility of rejoining the EU has become a topic of discussion among politicians and the public.

   What is confirmed

   • France and Spain have expressed willingness to welcome the UK back into the EU.
   • UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering rejoining the EU as an option to repair the country's relationship with the bloc.
   • Burnham's comments on rejoining the EU have sparked division within his cabinet.
   • The UK government is gathering evidence on public support for rejoining the EU.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Germany has stated it will do everything it can to get Britain back into the EU.

   What to watch next

   • The UK government's official stance on rejoining the EU
   • Public opinion polls on rejoining the EU
   • The outcome of the next UK-EU summit
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Reuters — Burnham says Britain should weigh EU options, including rejoining bloc
   2. BBC — Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Andy Burnham
   3. reuters.com — Spain, France align on welcoming UK back to EU, strengthening China trade defences
   4. Bloomberg.com — France and Spain Would Welcome Back UK If It Rejoined EU
   5. The Guardian — No 10 gathering evidence on public support for rejoining the EU
   6. dw.com — France, Spain welcome idea of UK rejoining EU
   7. Financial Times — Burnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthrough
   8. www.theguardian.com — Andy Burnham wants to review the UK’s relationship with the EU. What are the options?
   9. Reuters — COMMENTARY: UK PM Burnham sows seeds of "Breturn" that could excite markets
   10. independent.co.uk — Burnham’s top cabinet ministers divided over rejoining EU
   11. The Guardian — Burnham is right that ‘hope comes from honesty’. That’s why Labour must make the case for rejoining the EU
   12. The Guardian — Burnham’s reopening of Brexit debate is ‘biggest boost in my career’, says Farage
   confidence 75%