10:17 13 September 2025
Britain Strengthens Ties With EU but Rules Out Return to Membership
British officials insist that rejoining the European Union remains highly unlikely, despite improving relations with Brussels. Nick Thomas-Symonds, a minister involved in UK–EU negotiations, said he “cannot imagine Britain re-entering the EU in his lifetime,” stressing instead the focus on building a “new strategic partnership.”
Brexit strained relations, but London is now working to rebuild ties, particularly in security and defense. The Northwood Declaration with France strengthened nuclear coordination, while a July deal addressed cross-Channel migration. Under the “one-for-one” rule, the UK could return certain asylum seekers who crossed illegally, in exchange for accepting migrants with British ties through legal pathways.
Public debate over EU membership has reignited since 2024, when a petition calling for re-entry gathered over 136,000 signatures. Yet Westminster maintains a firm stance: “there will be no return to EU membership.” Instead, the government aims for pragmatic cooperation.
Across Europe, however, sentiment is more favorable. A YouGov EuroTrack survey shows 51–63 percent of citizens in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain support Britain’s return. While membership remains off the table politically, Europe’s public opinion reflects enduring openness to closer UK–EU ties.
(EURACTIV)
