Andrew Grice argues that Prime Minister Burnham should start making the case for rejoining the EU and let voters decide in a referendum, rather than wait for a general election. Burnham has promised the public they “will be the boss” as he strengthens UK-EU ties, but has not said how voters would give their verdict. Some cabinet ministers worry that rejoining would be a hard sell in the red wall seats that backed Leave in 2016. The author supports the goal but fears that trying to rejoin without a referendum would backfire and boost the “stay out” campaign. He also notes that the EU has changed since Brexit, including common borrowing and a stronger industrial policy, which makes a return harder.
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| Market | Currencies |
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| Close on 10/19/2026 | 1.33040 |
| Change that session | -0.20% |
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