Tony Blair Urges Britain to Target EU Re-Entry Within a Decade

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair released a foreword to the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) paper *Beyond Leave and Remain: A Path to Rejoining a Reformed Europe* on September 24.

Politico Europe

The 2016 referendum left the UK outside the EU, a decision that remains central to political debate. Labour’s 2024 manifesto introduced “Brexit red lines” that barred re-entry to the single market, customs union, and free-movement of people. Polling commissioned by Best for Britain now shows a majority of voters regret the 2016 vote and favour a return to full membership.

Tony Blair calls for UK to work towards rejoining “a reformed EU” within a decade

• Constituency support: YouGov analysis for Best for Britain found EU membership the preferred option in 628 of 632 UK constituencies.

Tony Blair calls for UK to work towards rejoining “a reformed EU” within a decade

• National preference: 35 % of respondents favoured EU membership versus 18 % for the current “closer-relations” approach. Earlier polling recorded 53 % support for re-joining versus 32 % opposition.

Tony Blair calls for UK to work towards rejoining “a reformed EU” within a decade

• Electoral impact: A YouGov megasurvey of over 13,000 adults projected Labour’s seat total could rise from 136 to 321 if a re-join pledge were included in the next election manifesto.

The Guardian

• Economic loss estimates: The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) calculated a loss of £6.5 bn a year in exports without a mutual-recognition agreement; Logistics UK reported an overall export loss of £11.7 bn annually. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates the current UK-EU settlement reduces long-term productivity by about 4 %.

The Independent

• Andy Burnham described the EU re-join question as “for another day” and said his priority is to rebuild relations without committing to immediate membership.

The Independent

• Conservative MP Mike Wood criticised the Blair paper as a “betrayal” and warned Labour of “turning back the clock.”

Blair gives Burnham some European pre-conference counsel

• Liberal Democrat Europe spokesman Al Pinkerton welcomed the report, stating a new partnership is needed to meet today’s economic and security challenges.

The Independent

• The Conservative Party argues that abandoning the 2024 manifesto red lines would alienate voters who supported Brexit and could empower opposition parties.

The Independent

• Reform UK warns a re-join pledge could reopen the “deep rifts” created by the 2016 vote.

The Guardian

• “This objective should be a cornerstone of the UK government’s upcoming 10-year plan.” — Sir Tony Blair

The Independent

• “Europe's biggest problem isn't a lack of institutions but a lack of delivery. Britain should help turn the European Political Community from a forum for dialogue into a working one for power, pulling together willing countries to get things built and done.” — Tone Langengen, TBI Director

The Independent

• “Everything points to there being little scope to further deepen UK-EU relations without revisiting the UK Government’s red lines. Only full EU membership can grow the UK economy by at least £92bn per year, and it is supported by a majority of the electorate, particularly Labour’s coalition of voters.” — Naomi Smith, Best for Britain chief executive

The Independent

• A parliamentary debate on re-joining the EU is scheduled for 12 October.

Tony Blair calls for UK to work towards rejoining “a reformed EU” within a decade

• Labour’s annual conference opens in Liverpool on 27 September, where the party’s stance on EU relations will be discussed.

Tony Blair calls for UK to work towards rejoining “a reformed EU” within a decade

• The government’s 10-year plan, due in November, will indicate whether the Blair-sponsored objective is adopted.

Politico Europe