Labour's EU Rejoin Quest: An Improbable Path or a Feigned Pretense?

The ongoing political turmoil in the United Kingdom has once again placed the topic of rejoining the European Union (EU) back on the table. Some argue that if the Labour Party wins the upcoming election, it may attempt to re-engage with the EU. However, the reality is far more complex, and this proposed path is highly unlikely to succeed.

Labour's Proximity to the EU

No matter how many times Labour Party leader Keir Starmer tries to distance himself from the Brussels-based entity, the intrinsic pull towards the EU is undeniably strong. Throughout history, the left-wing ideology of Labour has been characterized by a strong inclination towards democratic principles, even when it suits them. The recent election has only reinforced this pattern, highlighting a potential shift in Labour's stance towards rejoining the EU.

While some may see this as a strategic move to capitalize on the faction of the population that desires reentry into the EU, it is important to note that such a move would likely be executed in a covert manner. Under the guise of respecting the majority's decision to leave, Labour would attempt to stealthily re-engage with the EU, all while maintaining the appearance of steadfast adherence to nationalist principles.

The Reality of Rejoining the EU

Despite growing sentiment among the populace, the path to rejoining the EU is anything but straightforward. For the United Kingdom to once again become a member state, major challenges and barriers must be overcome. The UK, currently a third country, would have to follow a strict and formal reapplication process, meeting numerous criteria and requirements.

Moreover, the reintegration process would be a lengthy and arduous one, potentially taking decades. This is not solely due to political or electoral considerations. The EU itself would need to be receptive to the UK's reapplication, and the UK would have to accept that the terms of membership would be significantly different from the pre-Brexit era. Certain opt-outs and objections, such as the euro or Schengen, would have to be addressed as part of any potential agreement.

Internal Divisions and Political Feasibility

Within the Labour Party, there is currently little to no internal agreement on rejoining the EU. This lack of consensus makes the reapplication process all the more challenging. Even if the party were to push for rejoining, it is unclear whether such an effort would yield tangible benefits within a single parliamentary term. Reopening the Brexit debate would require a significant investment of political capital that Labour may not be willing to expend.

During the election campaign, the Labour Party did not prioritize rejoining the EU as a central platform. Instead, their main focus was on securing "closer relationships and better trade agreements" – terms that are so nebulous they could mean anything. Ministers such as Rishi Sunak have managed to mitigate some of the backlash from the Brexit rhetoric, and Keir Starmer will likely do the same. However, rejoining the EU is not on the cards given the current political climate and the limited electoral benefits it would bring.

Conclusion

While the idea of the Labour Party rejoining the EU may seem tempting, the practical and political hurdles are steep. The UK's journey to reintegration would be a drawn-out process, with little likelihood of immediate benefits. Even if the Labour Party were to pursue this path, the political capital required would likely outweigh the potential gains. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the chances of the UK rejoining the EU in the near future are slim to none.