The chair of the EU Parliament’s influential foreign affairs committee has told the UK there are “no political shortcuts” to any possible return to the EU.
German deputy David McAllister also branded the UK vote to exit the EU as a “historical mistake.”
He was speaking amid ongoing current speculation about possible future EU policy under the Labour government.
With UK PM Sir Keir Starmer coming under increasing pressure, the two possible leading candidates for his job have been reportedly speaking about their position on any possible return to the EU.
Andy Burnham, who is not an MP but the current Mayor of Manchester, has, according to reports, distanced himself from any such scenario while Wes Streeting, who until recently was health secretary, is apparently firmly in favour of the UK rejoining the 27-strong bloc.
The picture will become a lot clearer if Burnham wins an upcoming by election in the UK, If he is successful, that could pave the way for him to launch a formal challenge against Keir Starmer in the summer.
Polling suggests there is a narrow majority of Britons in favour of a return to the EU than staying out.
Speaking this week to this site, McAllister said, “At present, the United Kingdom has not applied to rejoin the European Union. The question is therefore hypothetical.”
He went on, though, to state that, “Any European country can apply to join the European Union under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. The path is clear: a formal application to the Council, an assessment by the Commission, and unanimous agreement by the Member States to open and conclude negotiations. This framework applies to all. EU accession is a structured process, not a political shortcut.”
The veteran MEP, who was born to a Scottish father and German mother, added, “Membership is built on the EU acquis, the common rules that hold the European Union together.
“The United Kingdom would start from a different position. Much of its system still reflects years of membership and remains closely aligned. But alignment is not static. Any application would require a focused review to ensure that UK rules match current EU law. Enlargement remains merit-based.”
The centre right deputy continued, “A closer relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union would clearly be in the mutual interest of both sides. We face the same security challenges, economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainties.
Brexit was a historical mistake which I deeply regret. It weakened the United Kingdom’s economic position and reduced its strategic weight. At the same time, the European Union lost a key member at a moment when alliances are under strain, geopolitical tensions are rising, and democracies are under pressure.”
Meanwhile, further comment on the issue has come from former UK Liberal MEP Andrew Duff, now an Academic Fellow of the European Policy Centre.
He said, “The early policy of the current UK Labour government was to “make Brexit work”. This has now been ditched. What will replace it?”
When considering how a bid for full membership might be handled, he suggests a need for both sides to “lay the groundwork through confidence-building measures.”
“There is ample scope for practical collaboration on security and defence, capital markets integration and economic reform to boost Europe’s productivity, as well as migration and asylum. The UK should demonstrate that, if it regains its status as a full member state it would no longer obstruct constitutional reform of the Union. Both sides should aim to settle the question of Britain’s place in Europe for good.”
Duff is a former Member of the European Parliament (1999-2014), a Vice-President of the Liberal Democrats, Director of the Federal Trust, and President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF).
