The Reality of Rejoining the European Union Post-Brexit

Unfortunately, the notion of reversing Brexit through rejoining the European Union (EU) is not as straightforward as some may believe. As England has made its bed, so it must now lie in it. The EU is a significant trading bloc that neither needs nor desires the UK back in its fold. This article will explore the complexities of rejoining the EU and why such a reversal is nearly impossible.

Post-Brexit Reality

No, the UK has left the EU and that is that. As with any non-member European country, the UK, if it so decides, can seek to rejoin the EU. However, such a decision would not constitute a reversal of Brexit, but rather a new decision with strict conditions and a lengthy process.

The Rejoining Process

Rejoining the EU would be subject to the approval of all member states. Any admission of the UK to the EU would be contingent upon meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership, which include settled democracy, a market economy, and the rule of law. The member states would then have to vote among themselves for UK acceptance, and even one "no" vote is enough to exclude Britain from the EU.

Why Rejoinder is Not a Feasible Option

Given the myriad benefits the UK has derived from Brexit, why would it be in the UK's best interest to reverse its decision and rejoin the EU is a question worth exploring. Here are several reasons why rejoining is not a viable option:

Stopping Mass Migration

One of the primary benefits the UK has gained from Brexit is the cessation of mass migration from Eastern EU countries. On average, from 2010 to 2020, there were 350,000 such migrants annually. This has helped protect UK jobs, the benefit system, and housing stock.

Financial Independence

The UK no longer subsidizes the EU, having been the second-largest net contributor. Its balance of trade with the EU has significantly improved from our perspective by ￡38 billion per year since leaving the single market. In contrast, Germany has seen a similar worsening of its balance.

Business Friendly Environment

Major European multinationals are relocating their global headquarters to the UK due to its more business-friendly environment compared to the EU. Notable examples include Shell and Unilever.

Control and Autonomy

With Brexit, the UK now controls its laws, waters, and fishing rights. It also has the freedom to decide who can live and work in the country and on what terms, as well as who it can trade with and on what terms. This autonomy is a significant advantage that has bolstered the UK's position in the global market.

Investment Attraction

Banks like BNP Paribas are encouraging their customers to invest in UK companies and away from the Eurozone, expecting the British economy to outperform the EU. According to the United Nations, the UK is now the fourth-largest exporter in the world, a notable achievement post-Brexit.

In conclusion, while the UK can seek to rejoin the EU, the process is not simple, and the benefits of remaining outside the EU are numerous. The UK has made significant strides in protecting its economy, jobs, and sovereignty, and these advantages are unlikely to be reversed without a compelling and extensive reevaluation of the decision to leave the EU.