The debate over Britain’s relationship with the EU is picking up nearly five years after Brexit.
For the first time since Keir Starmer became Labour leader, the EU’s 27 leaders discussed ties with the UK on Thursday, as Starmer aims to rebuild relations and move beyond Brexit divisions.
Recent polls show 68 per cent of Britons back bringing back freedom of movement for single market access, while only 17 per cent prioritise ties with the US. Geopolitical issues, like Donald Trump’s possible return and Russian threats, complicate the debate.
When we asked for your views, advocates of EU alignment pointed to trade, economic growth, and security benefits, while US supporters emphasised defence partnerships and global influence. Others called for a balanced or independent approach.
Here’s what you had to say about the way forward:
Rejoin the EU or, at the very least, the Single Market and Customs Union with free movement. Brexit is costing £40 billion a year in income to the Treasury. Under EU free movement, there was a net positive gain from Europeans who came here, not to mention workforce shortages across all industries — including 100,000 doctors and nurses and as many social care workers.
—AndrewS
You were idiots to vote yourselves out of the EU and align with us over here. We have a majority of idiots (evidenced by our recent election), so why align with us (~3,000 miles distant) rather than those 30 miles away? You’ll be lucky if the EU lets you back in until you learn to drive on the correct side of the road and use real money. Aligning with the USA would indeed be a “Confederacy of Dunces.” Merry Xmas.
—Glenn
Neither the EU nor the US is likely to offer good terms. The EU will want more than we should accept, and the US will offer what suits them. Aim to be independent, so we don’t have to bend over to trade with either. The Commonwealth was better than both, but we let that slip away in favour of the EU.
—Martyn
On 15 December, Britain joined the Indo-Pacific trading bloc, becoming the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This deal might enhance UK services at the cost of industrial and agricultural produce.
An even bigger issue is the projected GDP increase of 0.08% in 15 years, compared to a 4% GDP loss from leaving the EU. CPTPP’s lower standards (think lead-painted children’s toys) will add more scrutiny and red tape to ‘UK produce.’ The EU won’t allow itself to become a dumping ground for low-grade products.
As exports to the EU decline, is this worth the illusion of being a major Pacific player? Adding to the irony, China will join as the 13th member next year, aligning the UK with China in the US/Trump trade war.
