The debate over Britain’s relationship with the European Union has reignited after a senior Treasury minister declared that the United Kingdom rejoining the EU is “an inevitability,” triggering fierce political backlash and raising fresh questions over Labour’s long-term Brexit strategy.
Lord Spencer Livermore, a Treasury minister and close ally of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, became the first serving government minister to publicly suggest that Britain could eventually reverse Brexit and return to the European Union.
Speaking during a debate in the House of Lords, Lord Livermore described UK re-entry into the bloc as unavoidable in the long term, citing economic interests as the key reason.
“Should we in due course re-enter the European Union? In my personal view that is an inevitability,” Lord Livermore said. “Of course the UK will re-enter the European Union because it’s absolutely in our national economic interest.”
His remarks have sparked intense political reactions, with critics accusing Labour of gradually shifting toward a position that could undermine the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Labour Faces Questions Over Brexit Position
Lord Livermore’s comments go significantly beyond Labour’s official position outlined in its 2024 election manifesto. The party explicitly ruled out rejoining the EU, as well as returning to the single market or customs union.
Although the minister clarified that his remarks reflected a “personal view” rather than official government policy, opposition figures argued that the comments reveal growing divisions within Labour over Britain’s future ties with Europe.
The statement comes amid broader discussions within Labour about strengthening relations with Brussels, particularly following the party’s push for a post-Brexit “reset” with the EU.
In recent weeks, senior Labour figures have openly expressed regret over Brexit and signaled support for closer integration with Europe.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting previously described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake,” saying Britain’s future “lies with Europe” and suggesting the country could one day rejoin the EU.
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated that he hopes Britain rejoins the EU “in my lifetime,” though he stopped short of advocating re-entry as an immediate political goal.
The growing chorus of pro-Europe voices within Labour has fueled speculation about whether the party could eventually soften its Brexit red lines.
Starmer’s EU Reset Under Scrutiny
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has consistently maintained that Labour will respect Brexit while seeking a more pragmatic and cooperative relationship with Europe.
His government is reportedly preparing for a major UK-EU summit later this summer aimed at improving trade, security cooperation, and economic ties.
The summit is expected to focus on Labour’s proposed Brexit “reset,” including discussions over regulatory alignment to ease trade barriers between Britain and the EU.
Reports suggest Britain’s chief negotiator, Michael Ellam, has explored options for closer alignment with EU product regulations to reduce trade friction. However, Brussels is believed to have pushed for deeper concessions, including participation in the customs union or the return of some form of freedom of movement—both policies Labour has publicly ruled out.
Cabinet minister Darren Jones recently reaffirmed Labour’s official stance, insisting the government remains committed to its manifesto promises.
“We had very clear red lines in our manifesto and we will be sticking to them,” Jones said, dismissing suggestions that Labour could reverse its Brexit commitments.
Could Britain Rejoin the European Union?
While Britain formally left the EU in 2020 after the 2016 referendum, rejoining the bloc would be a politically and economically complex process.
European officials have suggested the UK could theoretically re-enter faster than other candidate nations due to its previous membership and existing institutional familiarity.
However, senior EU representatives have also warned that Britain would likely have to accept key conditions, including adopting the euro and abandoning past opt-outs negotiated during its membership.
French Member of the European Parliament Sandro Gozi recently said Britain’s return could be viewed as “a victory for Europe,” though he stressed that London would need to stop seeking special exemptions.
Political analysts say any serious move toward rejoining the EU would likely require a major shift in public opinion, a future referendum, and a significant change in Labour’s official platform.
For now, Labour continues to insist that rejoining the EU is not government policy. Yet Lord Livermore’s comments have revived a politically explosive question that many believed had been settled: Is Brexit permanent, or merely temporary?
As the UK approaches the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, the political battle over Britain’s place in Europe appears far from over.
