This Guardian editorial argues that public opinion has turned decisively against Brexit, creating political cover for Sir Keir Starmer's successor, Andy Burnham, to pursue a much closer relationship with the EU. It notes the irony that Nigel Farage, architect of Brexit, now avoids discussing his signature achievement, since none of the promised benefits of leaving have materialised and voters have noticed. The piece frames this as a moment of opportunity: with Conservative and Reform figures embarrassed by Brexit's legacy, Burnham has room to be bolder than his predecessor without political risk.

The editorial cites a British Future poll showing 57% see Brexit as more failure than success, against just 21% who view it favourably, alongside majority support for closer trade, defence and health cooperation, and 57% backing a youth-mobility scheme for 18- to 30-year-olds. It stresses this doesn't amount to demand for reversal or a fresh referendum, but does support incremental deepening of ties. A UK-EU summit meant to advance cooperation on agricultural trade, energy, defence and youth mobility was postponed after Starmer's departure and remains unscheduled, and the paper urges Burnham to inject political urgency, arguing that Donald Trump's disruption of transatlantic relations makes the case for closer EU ties even more compelling.