Neil Kinnock Calls for UK Re-entry into the EU

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock told The Independent that rejoining the European Union is “the only patriotic thing to do” for Britain. He urged voters to “do it for the kids,” arguing that a single-question referendum could capture a generation’s changed view on EU membership. Kinnock also pressed Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to rethink Labour’s “red lines” that currently block re-entry to the customs union, single market or free-movement of labour.

The Independent

Kinnock described Brexit as an “avoidable disaster” that has left the United Kingdom “debilitated.” He cited analysis estimating a six-percent loss of growth, amounting to tens of billions of pounds in foregone public-service funding. He put the per-capita loss at roughly £3,200 a year and said a typical family loses over £6,000. He recalled the 1975 membership referendum, in which 67 % voted to stay in the EU.

The Independent

• Estimated UK growth loss: 6 % since Brexit.

The Independent

• Per-capita loss: ? £3,200 / year.

The Independent

• Average family loss: > £6,000.

The Independent

• 1975 referendum: 67 % Yes, 33 % No.

The Independent

Kinnock argued that the UK “won’t achieve sustainable economic growth while access to our main market is impeded and imports carry extra costs.” He called for a “very plain undertaking” at a general election or a new referendum to secure re-entry. While urging Burnham to drop the red-line constraints, Kinnock noted that Labour cannot simply “tear up” those policies because they underpin the party’s recent electoral mandate. He also pointed to Nigel Farage’s silence on any material benefits of Brexit.

The Independent

Labour’s red-line policy explicitly rules out re-joining the customs union, single market or free movement of labour, limiting any EU return. Kinnock conceded that these constraints “cannot be scrapped” without jeopardising the party’s electoral platform. He also criticised Farage for avoiding discussion of Brexit’s material advantages, suggesting that any speech by Farage on the topic would be “as if the sun won’t rise that day.”

The Independent

The article presents Kinnock’s loss estimates without independent verification or alternative figures, leaving a gap in corroborated economic data.

The Independent

• “Do it for the kids. They didn't get a chance to have a say,” — Neil Kinnock, Former Labour Leader

The Independent

• “We have been debilitated by being outside the European Union.” — Neil Kinnock, Former Labour Leader

The Independent

• “All this works out at something like £3,200 pounds a year per person loss in Britain,” — Neil Kinnock, Former Labour Leader

The Independent

• “Farage.. when he makes a speech listing the material advantages of Brexit – maybe the sun won’t rise that day,” — Neil Kinnock, Former Labour Leader

The Independent

Kinnock predicts a future referendum could deliver a two-to-one vote for re-entry. He says the issue could be settled either through a clear election pledge or a dedicated referendum, provided Labour’s leadership shifts – a change he hopes Andy Burnham might champion.

The Independent