Should the U.K. Hold a Second Brexit Referendum to Rejoin the EU?

With Brexit now firmly in the rearview mirror, the question arises: would a second referendum on rejoining the European Union (EU) be beneficial or futile? The prospect of a re-join referendum seems increasingly unlikely, but it’s a topic of heated debate, especially among those who wish to revisit past decisions.

The Case Against a Re-Referendum

Those advocating for a re-join referendum argue that a clear, definitive decision has already been made by the British electorate in 2016. According to BBC News, 51.5% of voters supported leaving the EU, and within the Conservative Party, a significant majority aligned with the Leave campaign. This strong mandate makes a re-Referendum seem redundant and potentially unwise.

Supporter Mr. Luke Smith (a fan of Meghan Markle, incidentally) echoes this sentiment. Smith, who is an anti-rejoiner, maintains that having one’s say once is sufficient. Repeating the process could dilute the impact of the initial decision and undermine confidence in the political system.

The Pros and Cons

Arguments for a re-Referendum are often made by pro-EU advocates, who believe that the UK’s experience with Brexit has been maligned or misunderstood. They argue that several factors – such as the economic downturn and political instability – may change public sentiment, making rejoining a more appealing prospect than in 2016. However, critics counter that the UK’s experience has been one of repeated challenges and frustrations, and that Europe’s recent history, particularly issues like Brexit-related struggles in Spain and Greece, continue to cast a shadow over its attractiveness.

No Immediate Mandate for a Re-Referendum

From a political standpoint, the prospects of a re-Referendum remain slim, at least for the foreseeable future. No major UK political party has included rejoining the EU or a re-Referendum in their current manifestos. As a result, any attempt to hold such a vote would likely face significant opposition and would not gain widespread support among the electorate.

The general election results of the current year will determine which political party forms the next government. Unless a significant shift in public opinion or a major political upheaval occurs, it’s unlikely that any new government will have a mandate to hold a re-Referendum.

Future Possibilities

While a re-Referendum is currently an improbable event, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party, for example, may reconsider its stance in the future. However, any such move would face substantial hurdles, including the need for a majority public support, a favorable political climate, and the willingness of other member states to reconsider their stance towards the UK.

Conclusion

For now, the idea of a second Brexit referendum to rejoin the EU remains a distant and unlikely prospect. The significant mandate from the 2016 vote, coupled with the political and economic realities since then, makes a re-Referendum a challenging and risky endeavor. Whether or not a re-Referendum holds promise, it is clear that the UK’s relationship with the EU will continue to evolve, influenced by a myriad of domestic and international factors.