Could the UK really rejoin the EU? – The Latest

In this episode, the podcast discusses the resurgence of the Brexit debate following comments from Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting, who calls Brexit a 'catastrophic mistake.' The conversation addresses the significant economic damage Brexit has inflicted on the UK, citing estimates that point to a 6-8% reduction in GDP due to separation from the EU. The hosts note that while public sentiment has shifted, with 55% of Britons and 80% of Labour voters now favoring rejoining the EU, the mainstream politicians find it politically risky to address the issue openly.

The episode highlights how politicians like Andy Burnham are navigating the murky waters of potential reforms amidst a looming by-election in Makerfield, a Leave-voting constituency. The discussion also delves into Keir Starmer’s attempts to reset UK-EU relations, emphasizing small steps towards cooperation but with a recognition that significant economic integration remains constrained by the Labour party's manifesto red lines.

The conversation suggests a hypothetical scenario where if Streeting were to lead, rejoining the EU might involve either a referendum or another significant electoral pledge. However, it emphasizes that any return to the EU would not be on the previous terms, complicating the prospects further. The episode concludes with a note on how the long-standing division within UK politics over Brexit continues to pose challenges for future negotiations and public discourse.