Could the United Kingdom rejoin the European Union after its 2020 departure?
In short: Years after the United Kingdom officially left the European Union, the debate over re-accession has shifted from political fringe to mainstream discourse. While public support for rejoining has steadily climbed since 2021, the path back is complex, involving potential new requirements like Euro adoption and the Schengen Area.
The United Kingdom's formal exit from the European Union concluded on January 31, 2020, following a 2016 referendum where 51.9% of voters opted to leave. Since that departure, the political landscape has evolved significantly. By 2026, polling indicated that more than half of the British population supported rejoining the bloc, a notable shift from the post-referendum era. Despite this, the process for re-accession is governed by Article 49 of the Maastricht Treaty, which demands unanimous support from all existing EU member states for any new application.
The conditions for a potential return may prove more stringent than the terms the UK previously enjoyed. Political scientist Anthony Salamone has suggested that EU member states would likely require a stable, long-lasting majority in favor of rejoining, potentially reaching 60% support, before considering an application. Furthermore, the UK might face pressure to abandon former opt-outs, such as retaining the British pound or remaining outside the border-free Schengen Area. In 2023, France and Germany even proposed a restructured four-tier membership model that could offer the UK an associate status, granting access to the single market without full EU membership.
Domestic political appetite remains cautious. While some parties advocate for closer ties—evidenced by the October 2024 formation of an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Europe—leadership has been hesitant. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer ruled out rejoining during his tenure, and current Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while acknowledging the long-term case for re-accession, has prioritized domestic issues. Nevertheless, the conversation continues to gain momentum, fueled by public interest in a potential future referendum, which 65% of adults supported in a January 2023 survey.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Potential re-accession of the United Kingdom to the European Union
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-potential-re-accession-of-the-united-kingdom-to-the-european.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Festivals & celebrations · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
