UK must rejoin EU to combat growing threat from Russia and Trump, Burnham warned
A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says the UK should work towards rejoining the European Union, arguing that growing Russian aggression and uncertainty over US support make closer European ties important for British security, prosperity and democracy. The think tank urges Andy Burnham to build support for membership, while moving the debate on from the terms of Brexit to the EU’s changed role.
Polling commissioned by IPPR and Persuasion UK found 64 per cent of people with a stated view favoured rejoining, against 36 per cent who opposed it. Among Labour voters considering switching to Reform, 54 per cent supported membership and 36 per cent opposed it. The report says the EU has become more focused on defence since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and proposes UK-EU cooperation including a European Defence Alliance; it does not call for an immediate referendum.
- IPPR says the UK should work towards rejoining the EU.
- 64 per cent of those expressing a view backed membership.
- The report links closer European ties to security and prosperity.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that Russia’s aggression and uncertainty about US commitments make European security cooperation more important, and that EU membership could give the UK greater influence over shared defence, economic and democratic challenges. They see rejoining as a long-term strategic choice, to be built through public debate rather than an immediate referendum, and point to polling suggesting substantial public support.
The case against
Opponents can accept the need for close European cooperation while arguing that EU membership is not necessary to achieve it: the UK could pursue defence agreements and practical partnerships while retaining control over its own policies. They may also question whether the EU’s changing role and the polling evidence establish that rejoining would improve security or prosperity enough to justify reopening a divisive constitutional debate.