What’s the case for Breturn?
Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, had a message for our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer on his visit to Warsaw on Friday 17 January.
He said:
“I am aware this is a dream of mine, that instead of a Brexit we will have a Breturn.”
Mr Tusk, who was previously a President of the EU Council, added:
“Perhaps I’m labouring under an illusion. I’d rather be an optimist and harbour these dreams in my heart – sometimes they come true in politics.”
Sir Keir has consistently ruled out the UK rejoining the EU or its Single Market or customs union.
And yet, it’s not only Mr Tusk who has a dream of Britain’s Breturn. Millions of Britons also share this dream, and every UK poll now shows a majority want to rejoin the EU.
But what exactly is the case AGAINST continuing with Brexit and INSTEAD doing a Breturn?
▪ Debunking Brexit myths
▪ Sovereignty? Far from gaining sovereignty, Brexit means Britain now has no say in EU decisions, despite being affected by them.
▪ Migration? Britain faces a labour shortage, with almost a million chronic job vacancies. Migrants have always been essential, contributing positively to the economy and public services.
▪ Housing, Schools, and Hospitals? Reduced EU migration has worsened shortages of skilled workers, from builders to healthcare professionals.
▪ “Taking Back Control”? EU membership never meant losing national identity; other EU nations maintain sovereignty and strong support for the union.
▪ Laws and Bureaucracy? EU laws are collaboratively agreed upon, bringing collective benefits like fair mobile charges, flight compensation, and accountability for tech giants. The EU operates democratically, with decisions shaped by elected representatives.
▪ The case for Breturn
▪ Economic Gains: EU membership boosted Britain’s economy, yielding a tenfold return on membership fees. The Confederation of British Industry estimated it added £3,000 per year to each family’s income. [Source: CBI Report: Our Global Future, page 11]
▪ Peace and Freedom: The EU has been instrumental in maintaining peace and democracy, winning the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. Membership also granted Britons freedom to live, work, and trade seamlessly across Europe.
▪ Global Strength: The EU’s economic might enables its members to secure favourable trade deals and exert influence on the global stage. Outside the EU, Britain struggles to achieve comparable agreements.
▪ Rights and Protections: EU laws safeguard workers, consumers, and travellers, offering paid holidays, anti-discrimination measures, and fair work conditions. Such protections are difficult to replicate nationally.
▪ Trade: The EU remains Britain’s largest trading partner, with nearly half of exports and over half of imports linked to the bloc. Erecting trade barriers with this critical market has been economically damaging.
▪ Looking ahead
Brexit means we are poorer, and with less sovereignty, fewer rights and protections, restricted trade, and diminished power.
The case for Breturn – Britain returning to the EU as a full member – is overwhelming. It may take years to achieve a democratic reversal of Brexit, but it’s a worthwhile fight.
In a democracy, losing doesn’t mean having to give up. Ask Brexiters, they know. (See graphic below)
