London : A recent report published by the *Financial Times* reveals that the United Kingdom could succeed in rejoining the European Union within a single parliamentary term. However, this is contingent upon reaching a solid political understanding and agreement between London and Brussels. The report is backed by a former EU official and a prominent Member of the European Parliament, opening up a new political prospect on the European stage following years of estrangement.
Refuting fears of division and invoking the Finnish experience
The pro-European political pressure group Best for Britain believes that fears and rumors claiming that Britain’s return will be a divisive process that takes “a whole decade” are completely exaggerated and not based on realistic standards. The group cited the historical experience of Finland, which completed the steps of joining the European bloc in less than three years during the mid-1990s. This is clear evidence of the flexibility and speed of procedures when there is political will.
The issue of rejoining has returned to the forefront of the political agenda a full decade after Britain’s departure. This follows, in particular, bold statements made by Prime Minister Andy Burnham during last month’s Labour Party conference, in which he asserted that the country could “move forward” and reverse the outcome of the 2016 referendum. Burnham warned of the severe economic damage caused by the current post-Brexit arrangements and called for a comprehensive national dialogue on the nature of future relations with the European Union, ahead of a highly anticipated UK-EU summit next month. The initiative was swiftly and positively welcomed by prominent leaders within the bloc, most notably French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Rising public support and flexible legal mechanisms
In a sign of shifting public sentiment, a YouGov poll conducted after Burnham’s speech showed that 52% of British citizens support voting to rejoin the European Union, compared to only 27% who prefer remaining outside it. Most notably, the poll revealed that more than one-fifth of those who voted for Brexit in the 2016 referendum now intend to vote in favor of joining.
To formally complete this return, the UK government must submit a formal application under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. This initiates a negotiation process covering 35 distinct legal chapters, followed by the consensus of member states and ratification by national parliaments. The report—led by former trade official Oliver Nicholls—indicates that Britain’s prior deep integration, shared values, and limited regulatory changes since leaving the bloc would ensure a much faster accession process compared to other nations.
He also highlighted the possibility of resolving complex issues such as those concerning the Eurozone and the Schengen Area, noting that countries like Denmark and Sweden do not use the euro. Sir Jonathan Faull, a former European Commission official, welcomed the report—describing it as a “sober and useful contribution”—and emphasized that Britain would enter negotiations from a unique position, armed with the “imprint of decades of membership.”
