Overview
- An IPPR report published on Monday recommends the UK adopt EU membership as a medium‑term objective, arguing full membership best protects prosperity, security and democratic influence.
- Polling commissioned for the report by Persuasion UK found majority support for rejoining, with about 52% backing membership and 29% opposed.
- The government says it will keep pursuing practical sectoral 'reset' deals while Prime Minister Andy Burnham will set out long‑term options at a UK–EU summit in Brussels on 20 November.
- Ministers and Labour MPs are divided over reopening the 2016 referendum question, with officials stressing any return would likely need a clear democratic mandate such as a manifesto pledge or a referendum.
- Analysts point to modest long‑term GDP gains if the UK reintegrated but warn rejoining would trigger long negotiations with the EU, require choices on free movement and budget contributions, and could reshape trade, migration and everyday costs.