Exploring Britain's Desire to Rejoin the EU: A Comprehensive Analysis

Recent analyses and discussions in the UK have revolved around the feasibility and desirability of rejoining the European Union, especially as the nation faces economic and political challenges. The argument has been dissected from various angles, with supporters and critics exploring the pros and cons of potential reentry.

Why Brexiteers Were Not So Optimistic

The initial enthusiasm among supporters of BREXIT has waned, and they are not as full of themselves as they once appeared. The recent recession has brought to the forefront the complexity of navigating the post-BREXIT landscape. Many are now questioning whether the benefits of separation outweigh the economic and political challenges.

Challenges to Rejoining the EU

Rejoining the EU is not a straightforward process; several key issues need to be addressed first. These include:

The VETO Process: This involves the blocking power of EU members to prevent decisions or agreements. Rejoining would require navigating these veto mechanisms. The Budget Distribution: Ensuring a fair share of the EU budget, especially considering the UK's financial contributions in the past. The Currency: The UK leaving the EU meant also leaving the single market and customs union. Rejoining would mean aligning with EU monetary policies and standards. The Sovereignty Issues: Balancing the interests of a sovereign nation with the regulations and standards of the EU. The Refugee/Immigration Issues: The UK would need to address and potentially adhere to EU policies on controlling immigration and managing refugee crises. The Brussels Bureaucracy: Managing the regulatory framework and adapting to the EU's administrative systems. The Defence Issue: Aligning or continuing British defense policy with the EU’s security and defense framework. The End Goal: Defining exactly what form of rejoining would be beneficial and achievable for the UK.

Arguments Against Rejoining the EU

The case against rejoining the EU is strong, with several compelling reasons:

Demographic Shifts: Older voters, who were more likely to support Brexit, are passing away every year, while younger voters are increasingly pro-EU. This demographic change could influence future voting patterns. Political Shifts: Brexit was supported by figures like Putin and Trump, who are no longer popular. The complexity of maintaining good relations with Russia and dealing with RT (Russia Today) losing its UK license adds to the political challenges. Financial Impact: The depreciation of the pound after Brexit has not recovered to its 2016 level, increasing inflation and making imports more expensive. Migratory Trends: Migration levels within the EU have changed significantly. The influx of Eastern Europeans and the issue of small boats have shifted dramatically since Brexit. Policy Incompetence: Virtually all aspects of the Brexit process have been poorly managed, and the UK has shifted from being a rule maker to a rule taker. No Clear Benefits: There are no apparent advantages for the UK to rejoin the EU, undermining the argument for rejoining. Political Instability: The ERG (Europe Remain Group) within the Conservative Party has lost its dominant position, and the continuity of electoral success is uncertain. A Closer Look at the 2016 Vote: The margin of winning in 2016 was just one million, compared to the 10 million in the 1975 referendum, indicating a more divided public opinion.

Conclusion

The desire to rejoin the EU is not as appealing to the UK public as it once was, given the numerous challenges and the shift in political and demographic landscapes. While there are possibilities, the practical issues need to be carefully considered before any decision is made.

For future discussions on EU rejoining, these factors and the recognition of the complexity of the situation will be crucial. The UK must weigh these pros and cons to make a well-informed decision moving forward.