Senior Labour figures, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, are discussing whether the United Kingdom could re-join the European Union.
This debate surfaces as the UK evaluates its economic and political standing a decade after the 2016 referendum. Proponents argue that returning to the bloc would make the country richer and safer, while restoring ties with traditional European allies.
Ten years have passed since Britain voted to leave the EU [1]. In May 2026, the conversation has shifted toward the legal and political mechanisms required for a reversal of that decision. Some within the Labour Party view a potential return as a solution to long-standing internal divisions regarding Brexit.
Burnham and other party leaders have sparked analysis into how such a transition would function. While some reports suggest a determined push to reverse Brexit, other analyses indicate that the legal and political path to re-entry remains uncertain.
The discussion involves high-level figures such as Keir Starmer. The debate centers on whether the UK could negotiate new terms of membership or if it would be required to adopt existing EU frameworks without modification.
Economic arguments for re-joining focus on trade stability and the removal of customs barriers. These proponents suggest that the long-term costs of remaining outside the union outweigh the perceived sovereignty gains of the 2016 vote.
However, the process would likely require a new referendum or a significant shift in parliamentary consensus. The political climate in London and Greater Manchester reflects a growing tension between those seeking a total reversal and those cautious of the political volatility such a move would trigger.
“Proponents argue re-joining would make the UK safer, richer, and restore ties with its traditional European allies.”
The renewed focus on EU membership suggests that the economic impact of Brexit is still a primary driver of UK political strategy. By framing re-entry as a path to stability, Labour is attempting to bridge the gap between its pro-EU wing and the pragmatic requirements of governing a divided electorate.
