EU signals flexibility for potential UK re-entry
- EU officials suggest the UK could avoid the euro and Schengen if it rejoins.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he would not recommend joining the euro or Schengen.
- A YouGov poll shows 55% of Britons support reversing Brexit.
- Support for rejoining drops to 35% if the euro and Schengen are required.
- The UK and EU will meet on 20 November to discuss post-Brexit relations.
European Union officials have indicated that the United Kingdom could potentially retain exemptions from the single currency and the Schengen Area if it were to apply for re-entry into the bloc. While the union maintains a standard approach to membership, officials noted that they consider specific national circumstances and can apply flexibility in practice.
An official told POLITICO that while there is a standard approach in theory, in practice it is more flexible and there are different models. A senior MEP stated that those in Brussels would take a pragmatic view and show the necessary level of flexibility toward the United Kingdom.
Currently, the European Union has no formal stance on Britain rejoining because no formal application has been submitted. Officials emphasized that it is premature to discuss an official stance regarding a potential British return.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham weighs future EU relationship
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that Brexit failed to deliver its promised results. He suggested that rejoining the European Union could be included in the Labour Party's next election manifesto.
Regarding the specific terms of a potential return, Burnham told The Times that he cannot see himself ever recommending that the United Kingdom join the euro or the Schengen Area. He reiterated this position publicly, stating he would not recommend those institutions.
Burnham maintains that he wants to be honest with the public about the options available regarding the European Union. He expressed a positive view on developing closer ties, noting that he believes such a move would increase British GDP and provide stronger control over migration.
The government has clarified that the United Kingdom will not return to the European Union during the current parliamentary term. However, Burnham indicated that the possibility remains open for the longer term, provided it is supported by a mandate from British voters.
While British voters have expressed concern that re-joining the European Union would require the adoption of the euro and entry into the Schengen Area, officials have stated that these requirements would not necessarily be mandatory.
British public opinion on reversing Brexit
A YouGov poll from 3 November 2026 found that 55% of British respondents support reversing Brexit, while 34% prefer to remain outside the European Union.
Current government policy constraints
The current British government's position excludes returning to the single market, the customs union, or the free movement of people during the current parliamentary term. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to adhering to these policies for the duration of this parliament.
Historical context of UK membership and opt-outs
The United Kingdom previously held exemptions from the euro and the Schengen Area, which were built on agreements negotiated over decades of membership.
The United Kingdom held its membership referendum on 23 June 2016, with 51.9% of voters choosing to leave and 48.1% voting to remain. The country formally left the European Union on 1 February 2020, and the post-Brexit transition period concluded on 1 January 2021.
Upcoming UK-EU meeting on 20 November
The meeting aims to approve a package of measures intended to improve the post-Brexit relationship.
This summit does not constitute formal negotiations regarding the United Kingdom's return to the bloc.
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