Petition to Rejoin EU Hits Milestone as Starmer’s Former Minister Backs Reversal

A petition calling for the UK to rejoin the European Union has passed 100,000 signatures, triggering a potential parliamentary debate, as a former Labour minister openly backs rejoining. This comes as YouGov polling indicates growing support for rejoining the EU.

Brexit Reversal Calls Grow Louder

Campaigners from Berkshire for Europe, a local chapter of European Movement UK, have seen their petition to Parliament reach over 100,000 signatures, as reported by the Daily Express. Robert McMaster, who created the petition, stated that “it has become clear that Brexit has failed and that the UK public no longer supports leaving the EU, with a clear majority wishing to return.”

This is the second such petition to reach this milestone, with a previous one leading to a three-hour parliamentary debate where 38 MPs criticised the government’s stance, according to Mr McMaster. He plans to launch new petitions every six months until the government applies to rejoin.

Starmer’s Ex-Minister Backs Rejoin

Adding to the pressure, former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who recently resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, declared his desire for Britain to rejoin the EU on May 17. The Daily Express reported Streeting saying: “We need a new special relationship with the EU, because Britain’s future lies with Europe, and one day, one day, back in the European Union.”

Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick responded to these calls, telling the Express that “The British people have had enough of being ignored and overlooked. We’ve got huge problems in the country that need fixing – this is the last thing we need.”

• A petition to rejoin the EU has garnered over 100,000 signatures, pushing for a parliamentary debate.
• Former Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting openly stated his desire for the UK to rejoin the EU.
• YouGov polling on May 26 showed 56% support for rejoining the EU, up from 51% in January 2024.
• However, YouGov also noted that the public is “net opposed” to rejoining if the UK cannot keep its previous opt-outs.
• Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick dismissed the calls as a distraction from the country’s pressing issues.

What This Means for Britain

The latest petition to rejoin the EU, coupled with high-profile backing from figures like Wes Streeting, signals a renewed push from some quarters to reverse the 2016 referendum result.

This could reignite the divisive Brexit debate, potentially distracting from the pressing domestic issues facing ordinary working families, such as the cost of living crisis and struggling public services.

A return to the EU would mean a surrender of British sovereignty, with control over laws, borders, and trade policy shifting back to Brussels, overriding decisions made in Westminster.

While YouGov polling shows increasing support for rejoining, it also highlights public opposition if previous opt-outs, such as those on the Euro or border controls, cannot be secured.

For British citizens, rejoining could mean adherence to EU regulations and contributions to the EU budget, potentially impacting national spending priorities and the UK’s ability to forge independent trade deals.

The Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer has consistently ruled out rejoining the EU, the single market, or the customs union, though Streeting’s comments may prompt further scrutiny of Labour’s long-term stance.

This development underscores the ongoing struggle for Britain to truly take back control and focus on its own future, rather than endlessly revisiting past decisions.

Share if you believe Britain’s focus should be on fixing domestic issues, not rejoining the EU.

This article is a factual summary of reporting by The Daily Express. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: Daily Express | Breaking Brexit News