Will the UK return to the EU ten years after Brexit?

The possibility of the United Kingdom rejoining the European Union resurfaced on the political agenda after the ten years following Brexit. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's latest statements on the future of the UK's relations with the EU sparked a new debate about where London's ties with Europe could be taken.

Rejoining Option on the Table

Burnham said that the UK's future relationship with the EU should be assessed through various options. These options include closer economic ties with the EU, reconnecting through a single market and customs union, and eventually full membership in the long term. However, the government’s current official trade policy clearly states that it does not aim to rejoin the single market or customs union.

London's European Policy is Changing

The UK government has recently taken steps to strengthen ties with Brussels. Treasury Secretary Rachel Reeves highlighted the importance of the relationship with the European Union for the country's economic future, while announcing that the government is aiming for a broader economic and security partnership.

Economy and Trade Take Center Stage

London authorities argue that closer cooperation with the EU could reduce barriers to trade and economic activity. In the government's 2026 trade strategy, the European Union is also identified as the United Kingdom's most important trading partner. However, the government says that at present there is no target to rejoin the EU's single market and customs union.

Public Attention-Grabbing Change

According to a survey released by YouGov in June 2026, 55% of the public in the United Kingdom said they support the country's rejoining the European Union. However, it was observed that the support rate fell to 35% if some of the special exemptions the UK had during the Brexit period were not preserved.

Messages From Europe

Different statements are also coming from Europe regarding the United Kingdom's possible return. In the YouGov survey, 58% of participants in France and 63% in Germany supported the UK's return to the EU. However, a high proportion in both countries believe that if the UK were to rejoin, the EU's core policies would need to be fully implemented.

No Decision on Return Yet

There is no definitive decision yet on the United Kingdom's rejoining the EU. The current government policy is moving toward establishing a closer strategic partnership with the EU rather than reversing Brexit. Rejoining is, at this stage, one of the future options in the political debate.

New Summit Expected

The future of relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union will be one of the main topics of the upcoming negotiations. The London administration aims to increase cooperation in trade, energy, security, youth programs, and other areas. How the United Kingdom will proceed toward full EU membership will be shaped by future political decisions.

What is Brexit?

Brexit; the name given to the process of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) leaving the European Union (EU). The word is derived from the combination of the English words "Britain" and "exit".