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MPs to debate petition for UK to rejoin EU as leaders signal openness

Westminster Hall debate scheduled for Monday after petition gains more than 110,000 signatures

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
MPs will debate a petition calling for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union on Monday, the first day back in Parliament after the conference season. The petition, titled 'Apply to Rejoin', argues that 'Brexit’s not working' and has collected over 110,000 signatures, passing the threshold for parliamentary debate. The debate has been welcomed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has urged the government to prepare voters for a return to the EU, and follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent signals that his administration could eventually propose rejoining.

Last month, Lord Khan urged the UK government to “prepare” the country for a return to the EU, and he has praised Prime Minister Andy Burnham for “calling out the historic mistake” of the 2016 Brexit vote. In his first Labour Party conference speech as leader, Mr. Burnham said Brexit had done “more harm than good” and that his administration could go “all the way” on rejoining. He promised to set out the options to the country around the time of a UK-EU summit later this year.

London voted overwhelmingly to Remain in 2016, with all but five of the capital’s 33 councils backing staying in the EU. A Savanta UK survey found that two thirds of Londoners would now vote to rejoin in a fresh referendum, rising to 85% among adults aged 18 to 34.

The debate will be held in Westminster Hall, a lower-rung debating chamber, and is one of the first items of business when MPs return from their conference season break. The petition, which has gathered more than 110,000 signatures, states that “Brexit’s not working”.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The debate marks a significant step in the UK's post-Brexit political discussion, with senior leaders openly considering rejoining the EU.
  • Public opinion, particularly in London, shows strong support for reversing Brexit, potentially influencing future policy.
  • The outcome of the upcoming UK-EU summit and the government's stance could reshape Britain's trade and diplomatic relationships.

Background

The UK voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum, a process completed in 2020. The Labour Party, now in government under Andy Burnham, has moved towards a more pro-European position. Sadiq Khan has been a longstanding advocate for rejoining. This petition debate represents the first parliamentary airing of the issue under the new government.

Key Perspectives

Pro-rejoin advocates: London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the petition signatories, and Prime Minister Burnham, who has called Brexit a “mistake” and left the door open to rejoining. They argue that Brexit has damaged the economy and that rejoining would restore growth and influence. Skeptics of rejoining: Opponents argue that the 2016 referendum result should be respected and that the government should focus on making Brexit work rather than pursuing reentry. This perspective is not represented in the source but reflects a broad public debate. The government's position: Prime Minister Burnham has signalled openness but has not committed to immediate rejoining, instead promising to present options to the country later this year.

What to Watch

  • The tone and content of Monday’s debate, which may signal the government’s evolving strategy.
  • The UK-EU summit later this year, where the PM has promised to set out the options.
  • Public opinion polls across the UK to gauge national sentiment beyond London.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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