STORY
The debate over Britain’s future relationship with the European Union has returned to Westminster politics after senior Labour figures raised the prospect of closer ties or eventual re-entry. The Independent reported that former European officials warned the UK should not expect a bespoke arrangement if it sought to rejoin the bloc.
Sandro Gozi, a former Italian Europe minister and current MEP, said any future UK application would have to address the issues expected of any candidate country. The report said this could include questions around the euro, Schengen and the absence of the budget rebate the UK previously secured as a member state.
The issue has re-emerged after Wes Streeting (in photo) made pro-European arguments in his first speech from the back benches and Andy Burnham distanced himself from previous comments about reversing Brexit as he seeks support in Makerfield. Starmer has also suggested that rejoining the EU could be discussed years in the future, while maintaining that it is not the Government’s current policy.