Full Breakdown
Renewed Calls for the United Kingdom to Re-Enter the European Union
4/25/2026, 4:55:16 AM
Renewed Call for EU Re-Entry
Former permanent secretary of the Brexit department, Philip Rycroft, wrote in *The Times* that the “argument is there to be won” and Britain should consider “knocking on the EU’s door.” He called for an appraisal of national interest, noting a “long and windy” road back.
Political Context and Party Pressure
Rycroft’s comments come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government maintains a “no-deal” stance on a customs union or single market, while party members push for closer ties with Europe. In January Starmer signalled openness to “closer alignment” with the single market; later, Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said there is “no appetite” to revive EU-membership debates.
Key Actors and Their Positions
Key actors: Philip Rycroft, Brexit department head; Keir Starmer, rejects a customs union; Nick Thomas-Symonds, dismisses EU membership return; Gibraltar chief minister Fabian Picardo, urges re-entry; Lord Frost, negotiator, criticises Rycroft; Nigel Farage, calls Rycroft “an enemy of democracy.” Commission official Michal Meduna warned of “very high healthcare charges” for EU-citizen children in the UK.
Public Opinion and Economic Indicators
A YouGov poll cited by Rycroft shows 53 % favour rejoining, 32 % oppose, 14 % undecided. Analyses suggest a “significant hit to GDP” after leaving the single market, though figures vary. About 1.2 million Britons live in the EU; Gibraltar’s new deal will permit 15 000 daily cross-border workers. The Home Office has spent £32 million on charities aiding late settlement applicants.
Government and EU Responses
Starmer’s government reiterated that the UK will not join the EU customs union or single market. Cabinet Office adviser Aliza Dee cited a decline in settlement applications and said ending a funding tranche is timely, noting support exists. The European Parliament warned the UK approach jeopardises EU-citizen children’s rights and creates a funding gap for charities like Settled.
Criticism and Opposition
Lord Frost argued that civil-service resistance to Brexit now fuels attempts to “undo it.” Farage labelled Rycroft “an enemy of democracy” and accused him of “vandalising Brexit.” Critics caution that a re-entry push could overturn the 2016 referendum result.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources disagree on the precise GDP impact of leaving the single market and on the exact number of pending settlement applications; the effect of the £32 million funding cut on charity capacity remains unquantified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The argument is there to be won. It is time to talk about rejoining. It might be time to knock on the EU’s door.” — Philip Rycroft, former permanent secretary, Department for Exiting the EU
- “Much of the bureaucracy simply didn't want to (leave). They now see an opportunity to undo it,” — Lord Frost, negotiator
- “The Brexit supremo slammed: "Philip Rycroft helped to vandalise Brexit and is not a neutral civil servant.” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
- “I hope to see the UK rejoin the EU.” — Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar chief minister
Outlook
Parliament will debate settlement-scheme reforms and possible secondary legislation aligning UK standards with EU directives, while Gibraltar’s new border regime is set to take effect in July.
