UK Trade Minister Nick Bryant expressed optimism regarding the possibility of Britain rejoining the European Union. During an interview at the European Parliament, he addressed the ongoing economic challenges stemming from Brexit, stating, “Brexit has delivered enormous problems for the UK economy.” His statements come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls to resign amid internal party pressures.
Calls for Rejoining the EU
In recent discussions, Wes Streeting, the outgoing health minister and challenger for the Labour leadership, suggested that Britain reconsider its EU membership. This provocative position arises nearly a decade after the narrow 2016 vote that led to the UK’s exit from the bloc. Although Starmer has advocated for closer ties with the EU, he has not explicitly called for rejoining or reapplying for EU membership.
Trade Challenges Post-Brexit
During his remarks, Bryant reminisced about the emotional impact of the Brexit vote, stating, “My heart broke on the night of the Brexit vote.” He expressed hope that the UK would eventually return to the EU, saying, “I hope in my lifetime that we would be welcomed back in the heart of Europe.” While discussing the current trade landscape, he pointed out the concerning statistic: 16,000 fewer UK businesses are exporting to Europe since Brexit, labeling the exit as “an own goal for us.”
Current Trade Relationships
- Despite diversifying trade partners to include South Korea, Turkey, and Switzerland, the EU remains dominant.
- The EU accounts for 47% of Britain’s total trade.
- Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle leads efforts to strengthen post-Brexit ties.
According to Bryant, the pressure to enhance UK-EU relations has intensified due to global uncertainties, including tensions arising from the war in Ukraine and shifting transatlantic dynamics under US leadership. With the Labour Party’s struggles in recent local elections, calls for Starmer’s resignation have surfaced, leading to potential political instability.
Future Prospects for UK-EU Relations
Despite these challenges, Bryant reassured that the Labour Party’s mandate would continue until 2029, regardless of current turmoil. “I am absolutely certain that a Labour government under Keir Starmer, or whoever it may be by the end of that time, will want to have a much stronger relationship with the European Union,” he stated.
Looking ahead, a second UK-EU summit is scheduled for summer 2025. This follows a prior meeting that achieved agreements on defense, security cooperation, and easing food trade restrictions. The evolving landscape suggests that discussions about the UK’s relationship with the EU, including potential rejoining, may once again take center stage.
