Labour warned of hefty EU bill for any potential rejoining
Britain faces a significant financial burden if it seeks to rejoin the European Union, according to Sir Julian King, the UK’s last European commissioner, who asserted that there would be no “special deal” for Britain in such a scenario, reports BritPanorama.
King emphasized that the UK would almost certainly be denied the budget rebate famously negotiated by Margaret Thatcher, resulting in an additional £5 billion contribution to the EU each year. Furthermore, the rejoining process could also lead to the loss of certain exemptions related to Brussels’ immigration rules.
In a discussion with The Telegraph, King stated, “It doesn’t mean adopting the euro, but it would mean renewed free movement across Europe and a significant budget contribution.” He cautioned advocates for rejoining the EU that they need to cultivate sustainable public support reflecting the realities of EU membership.
This warning follows remarks by former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who previously highlighted that Britain’s future “lies with Europe,” signaling a potential shift in Labour’s position towards seeking a mandate for rejoining the bloc. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, suggesting that discussions regarding a return to the EU could arise in the coming years.
The backdrop to these comments includes ongoing debates about the implications of Brexit, with various factions within Labour increasingly vocal about the possibility of re-engaging with the EU on different terms.
As discussions unfold, the landscape of Britain’s relationship with Europe remains complex and highly dynamic.
