BRITAIN | Time to Rejoin Europe? 

Regular viewers to the Q&A will know my views on Brexit. I think it was a terrible mistake. But crucially there are increasing signs that many people who voted Leave in 2016 do too. But what can be done about it? Should Britain try to rejoin? And should the EU accept it back, and under what conditions? As ever, I really look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.

As a non Brit, my impression has always been that the UK was okay with the EU only as long as it suited its needs. In practice, the UK always appeared to be cherrypicking, only committing to those treaties that were advantageous. This hasn't changed, I think. Those Brits who want to rejoin probably think that it will be possible to maintain the exceptional status that the UK used to have. They still refuse the idea of the EU as a political entity with its perspective of an ever growing political unification. This is what makes a rejoining improbable in the short term. Mr Johnson's reneging on international treaties and deals certainly hasn't helped.

I have seen little evidence of the average Brit (even Remainers) having made any serious effort to learn what the European project is, and to think of it in terms beyond Single Market access and immigration. Britain rejoining the EU would be a complete waste of time for everyone so long as “Europe” means nothing more to Brits than holidaying in Spain, crossing at Dover to buy wine in Calais and having to deal with foreigners “stealing their jobs”.

As an American who travels to Britain frequently, I can tell a huge difrence in the UK since Brexit. It feels poorer, less resilient, less innovative, and with fewer resources. Goods and services that used to be readily available are scarce. No one is starving, but thre are shortages and more strikes, and more pressures on people.

One problem may be that a current majority in favour of rejoining the EU may be dependent on the UK doing so on its previous terms. This is extremely unlikely.

From the Netherlands: I think that Britain should never be allowed back into the EU. You have mentioned ALL the arguments (1. The attitude of sitting on the fence and no real commitment. The damage done by the Brexit process. Besides the fact that the UK has become somewhat of a Third World country, for which the EU would have to pay to get the industry, the NHS back on its feet. I feel sorry for all the remain-voters and the Scots, but I feel that the UK has had its chances to be a full EU-member. Thus the door to the EU should be closed forever!!

From the Netherlands: EU membership of England was always problematic indeed and the Leavers were so insulting towards Europe. So a new membership must be based on a vast majority of people and not only just because of the economic advantages. As a European I hope the English people will figure it out and rejoin, the UK is such a fundamental part of European culture and history. They liberated our country from the nazi's, so forever grateful.

No hard feelings my british friends, but if you thought France was oposed to UK joining the EU, try to convince any spanish goverement to NOT veto you unless the Gibraltar-issue is properly adressed

Convincing Europe to allow the UK back in is one thing, but the UK will never receive its opt-outs and tax rebates that it gave up when it left. Joining the EU will require joining the Euro zone, Schengen and many other EU institutions. Good luck on that!

I'm sorry for the mess you got into. I'm Chilean but my sister used to live in the UK - for 15 years to be exact - working as a professional very successfuly. Her 3 kids were born there and went to school in London. But last year they decided the economic situation had gotten too bad; neither her or her husband had projects within the UK anymore...so they relocated to Canada and probably will return to Santiago sooner than later. Literally our situation here in a "third-world country" looks better than a supposedly rich nation! I guess at least we have more room to grow, unlike the UK after Brexit. Such a shame. Last time I visited them, in 2019, I could already tell London was in a worse condition than before, especially with all the homeless people I saw.

Britain (and Switzerland) need to clean up their whole corrupt organized crime offshore tax-haven (and money laundering) banks problem before they enter the EU. I had heard that the EU's regulations and requirements for transparency on currency production and controls were so strict that both Britain and Switzerland refused full integration into the EU and that is why they kept the pound sterling and Swiss franc.

No way. There are 32 countries that have to agree for UK to be accepted. Nobody has forgotten the steady denial to any deepening of EU institutions and instead pushing for accepting any one with catastrophic results. The best that has happened to EU in the last 20 years is the departure of UK.

It seems to me that the UK can never realize the benefits of EU entry if they rejoin vs not leaving at all. Being an earlier member helped set the terms in its favour. Now the UK would have to make greater concessions than before.

The EU shouldn’t allow Britain to rejoin. It’ll give other members the idea that they can leave and come back whenever

As long as the UK keep viewing the EU as a buffet from which it can choose this will not happen.

Brittain never wanted in the EU, they did not wanted the euro, always an other deal, let them be on their own, they wanted that.

Having been a member until recently doesn't really help much since the UK didn't meet the requirements for new members when they were written, let alone when it left. Any divergence after that just makes it worse.

Hope not, we don't mis them. The EU can move on now. And we don't need the British exeptionalism!

Unbelievable how the UK lost 20 years with one manipulated vote

Why do you think we would want you back?

No offense, but I would prefer if the UK stayed out of the EU, at least for the next 15 years. We need to sort out some stuff and I would be worried that the UK would block certain things, so I would rather not give the UK a say about issues of the immediate future. Feel free to join in 15 years when we have decided on our direction and then just accept what we have decided.

The most rediculous self inflicted calamity in history by a nation in my lifetime. Bravo England. You have achieved a marvelous distinction. Sorry to be enjoying the shadenfreud so much.

Exactly. The surveys aren't aren't asking the right question though, are they? The right question is, "would you like to rejoin the EU on the basis of no rebates, no opt-outs, joining Schengen and aspiring the Euro." If this gets a majority, we truly are at a turning point.

belgian here, I think that the UK has and always will have a rightful seat at the table of european nations, however itd be nice for your political class to understand that if they ever want the UK back in the EU, they shoud realize that the EU is a political project, not just a trading association, for years your political class has been very dismissive of the EU, enjoying the benefits of free trade and movement but turning its head the other way when it came to EU integration; the special opt outs, the non commitment to join the eurozone, the "I want my money back" type of attitude...

Thanks for the really great synopsis - I have to say that we would be in a much better place if we had leaders, from any party, that were actually interested in what's good for the country - but for decades we've have had leaders only interested in being in power - that is their priority and they will campaign on any issue that will achieve that priority regardless of it's actual benefit to the country!!!

Doesn 't really matter how many in the UK have regret and want to go back. First of all there are the technical obstacles for the UK: meeting the Copenhagen criteria. Only 4 of them, ut all very challenging for the UK, and one in particular: supporting ever closer union. A lot of the "rejoiners" and " bregretters" still don't know what the EU stands for, or want ever o ser union. They just want back in out of economic necessity. Like in the 1960's. The EU knows better than to create a groundhog day experience. After that, there are 27 members to convince and 35 chapters to fulfil, of which the UK only meets half. To top it off: Schengen and € are part of the deal, and England will never go for that. Safe to say that joining (rejoining doesn't exist) is decades away.

The EU is still reeling from the aftermath of the 2016 vote…not so much the vote itself but the cynicism and abuse hurled at it afterwards. So many UK politicians debased themselves in their rush to insult EU institutions. This hurt so many that forgetting it will be hard.

As a European unionist, I would like to thank the British who voted for Brexit. I am sorry for their sacrifice, but they did us a great service. One would say they have been secretly working for us

You cannot leave and re join like turning a tap on and off.

No more British exceptionalism.

You can only join again if you put your heart in the Union and if you feel Europeans because you never did. This includes adopting the Euro currency. Excellent analysis by James!

The UK does not appear very self aware and why on earth would the EU take them back? The UK has vacillated over being part of Europe for fifty years, unwilling completely to give up its "Splendid Isolation". Having danced the "on again, off again" jig for half a century, the UK has to fish or cut bait, if the crumbling EU will even consider a new application.

Re-joining won't solve our problems, in ten years we'll be wanting to leave again!

Rejoining will mean we need to accept QMV, the Euro and no opt out. It won’t happen!

To put it mildly, the EU is quite content with the way things have worked out, for them, that is. Popular support for the EU is at an all time high, the UK keeps on serving as a prime example for everything that should be avoided, jointly subscribed Covid bonds were issued that HMG would never have agreed to, and the list goes on. Nobody in Brussels seriously believes the UK will be willing and ready to join the EU (the UK is far from meeting the financial criteria for joining, for example) within the next twenty years hence the focus continues to be the Irish situation. Apart from this, Brussels have a sizeable number of topics on their plate that are considerably more important than the problems the UK have created for themselves. We shall see what HMG will decide on Horizon participation. They had agreed terms on which the UK could join but, unsurprisingly, they once again try to renegotiate the terms they already agreed to. Brussels will have none of it.

Very clear explanation as always. Though one question: Near the end of the video you talked about Britain getting closer to the EU and joining the Single Market. My understanding is the SM is not something you can join, without being in the EU, EEA or EFTA. The EEA already indicated their reluctance to have the UK join them and the EU have made it clear there will be no more Swiss-like EFTA deals. That only leaves EU membership, does it not? Additionally there isn't much appetite in the EU to have more protracted negotiations with the UK. Unfortunately while much of the Brexit discussion focuses on the UK, very little discussion focuses on the EU's attitude to the UK joining. There seems to be a huge gap in knowledge about how the EU, member states and citizens view the UK joining, it's a pity we couldn't hear more about that from the academics.

The EU should follow De Gaulle’s advice and reject any moves by the UK to “rejoin”.

What makes you think the EU wants you back?

I wouldn't worry about. British people do not wish to be a part of the EU, and that's the way it will be forever.

The UK is too large to be a country like Singapore, or even Switzerland. It’s too small to be a self contained empire - like the USA, Brazil, India, or China. So its not going to be ‘global Britain’….more like a peripheral country like Morocco….

Europe doesn't want it, and it's not in Europe's best interests. May the UK enjoy its newfound sovereignty alongside its close neighbours in the Pacific!

Thank you for your video! I have a question: Andrew Marr, in The New Statesman, has been arguing that the UK should seek to rejoin the single market - in a Norway-like arrangement. This would restore frictionless trade and freedom of movement. The UK would be in a "rule takers position" (i.e. no influence over the rules of the common market) - but would surely be better than the situation now. However, other commentators have remarked that there is no mechanism to just join the single market. Norway, Switzerland etc are in the EFTA, which has ruled out UK ever joining. So the only mechanism back to the single market is full EU membership. Is this true?

i like England, but i don;t want them inside the Union... They are so close to Washington over global and regional issues that sounds not so good. Also, the European countries desire to forge closer relations, the English don't.

The only way the 'UK' will be able to join is by as individual sovereign countries, I'm pretty sure with the amount of trouble the UK brought planning Brexit and upon leaving has made the EU really hesitant to even consider it, when Scotland leaves the UK and rejoins EU, Northern Ireland reunites with the Republic and becomes a de facto member pretty sure Wales will follow its Celtic brothers and we can all watch as the empire crumbles.

As an EU citizen, my opinion is that we do not welcome the betrayal to rejoin.

The Euro Zone economy is the one in recession, not the UK. The Euro fell below 1 USD at one stage last year. The UK has issues, and the EU has far bigger issues.

There is a deep, underlying issue about rejoining that I have been thinking about. You mentioned de Gaulle. The reason he vetoed Britain joining the European Community twice is because he thought that UK is ultimately committed to their US relationship over the European project. This of course is true. The Republicans and other US foreign policy elites have often lamented the Brexit, because US policy towards Europe is ultimately one of divide and conquer. UK was supposed to pull the whole thing apart. And to be fair, UK was always the voice of dissent when it came to further integration. Poland was always a close ally in this, back in the day. So if UK really wants to rejoin, there would have to be a committed public debate on what the EU is and what the UK wants from it. It is becoming increasingly clear that the EU is taking on more of a security role, in response to the Ukraine War. Yet the British seem to be utterly committed to the Special Relationship, such as it is today. Sunak was even supporting that NATO expands to Asia, which is utter insanity. And of course British politicians seem militarily committed to fight China, which goes even further into insanity. So it is fundamentally a question about identity and strategy. I would prefer that UK decides upon an European strategy, in defence as well. USA is much too reckless and unpredictable as a partner and that has not changed much during Biden. I also detect a hint of disdain from the American, vis-a-vis the UK. Antony Blinken called Brexit a massive disaster for US interest in Europe and you could even argue that Britain has lost their value as a key US ally, by not pulling EU apart but rather by leaving it.

Was worth a second viewing 4 weeks later. Thanks Prof!

The best thing to happen to the EU Britain 🇬🇧 leaving, prior to that it was on shaky ground, seeing what's happened to the UK 🇬🇧 has made the EU stronger.

There's a simple answer to this question. No.

The UK should go, the least, to the back of the queue.

Regarding the EU taking the UK back; besides Schengen & the Euro as non-negotiable requirements, the Spanish are going to demand Gibraltar back, to the top of the list. Reining in the financial shenanigans of The City would also be a prerequisite.

Dear professor, you should know UK problems are well shared by eu counties, that in fact are worse off than the UK. Why don’t you give the fault of having abandoned the commonwealth ? I suggest you to emigrate to Mikonos in Greece, you’ll be happy there in your beloved union and in good company.

The problem is that sovereignty is not a binary property. You cannot have either everything or nothing. Indeed, with Brexit United Kingdom has only gone from, say, 60% sovereignty to 80% sovereignty (It is still bound by international laws and trade agreements, and its actions are constrained by other great powers.) The most important issue of sovereignty should be the right to leave at any time, and that is something that all members of the EU have and will always have.

You can expect one or two EU countries to veto the British rejoining. The UK has been part of continental Europe since 1994 when the tunnel was finished. Unfortunately, British attitudes have lagged behind the reality.

Wow! A balanced and realistic and truthful view of reality, how refreshing, I was a remainer and was sad at the result but since I now have an Irish passport, to Brexiteers, "Ya Boo Sucks to you!" What you have done to our young students who want to study abroad in Europe will lie on your soul long after you are gone

As an italian, i don't think the UK should be allowed back in. The EU is not an hotel where you can register in and out as you wish. It's a complicated common project of all the European people. The British people chose not to be part of the project anymore, and they will have to bear the consequences of their decision, whetever good or bad they are.

AS Barnier has said " the EU is already no longer the EU the UK left" The EU is in constant evolution. Who knows what the entrance criteria will be if anf whem the UK applies? The EU has learned to live without the UK and appears to be content with the TCA as it currently stands. In a couple of years it is up for review not renegotiation. Any decision that the EU makes regarding any closer relationship with the UK has to be tangibly in the EU's, i.e. its current members interests and since all 27 have a veto it would only require one of them to decide it was not in their interest to scupper the whole thing.

Brits wanting to rejoin the EU! The same mentality that allowed Cameron to introduce the referendum had he thought he would lose he would never have allowed the referendum to take place. Unlike the author I wasn't a babe in arms when the "Common Market" kicked off. We were told it was an economic benefit not for political reasons, why else would we want to join? I thought it was a mistake to abandon your friends to jump in bed with your traditional enemies. I never saw anything that we could not do on our own. Apart from the USA every union has disintegrated. I could be here all day listing the disasters. Like the Euro, was a disaster for southern Europe. My Italian friends said the Euro increased their cost of living by 50%. The worst thing was the £500,000 given to Julia Middleton a member of the British Communist Party to introduce the Common Purpose charity that has rotted the institutions from the inside. The list is endless, paying to run a trading deficit with Europe, the destruction of the fishing industry, overfishing the North Sea and throwing a million tons of dead fish back in the sea every year for ten years. Thousands of dairy farmers going out of business while importing a million litres of milk from France; a policy to destroy British agriculture to make us reliant on the EU etc etc.

my personal opinion is that the veto should be removed and thé eu needs to go for a 2/3rds majority system. The veto allows countries who have petty and selfish issues to override the overall EU

so basically, it's not gonna happen

Have you considered an update to this video James? A lot's happened in the past 12 months - change of govt. - PM visiting Germany and France more often the Mr Farage has been spotted in Clacton. What do you think Labour's manifesto commitment to closer alignment with the EU will mean in practice? Best wishes.

I think you've answered your own question. The UK rejoining would: 1. Still be ambivalent about the political aspects of ever closer union. 2. Still be (re)joining for purely economic reasons. 3. Have to rejoin without it's rebate 4. Have to give up the pound and adopt the Euro 5. Have to give up any hope of controlling immigration (again). I don't think, even among those who could be persuaded to change their minds, the above is worth an extra 4% GDP.

Leaving the EU was the worst public decision this country has ever made

This such an excellent video. You lay out how big and long the jouney for the UK to join the EU would be. Personally I think "rejoin" is a misnomer - things will never be back to how they were, as you point out. Britain won't *re*-join, but it will eventually swallow it's pride and apply to *join* via Article 49, like any other non-EU country. Before that can happen, English (and I mean English) society has to digest some psychological trauma ... 1) the Empire is long gone, Britain's economy is #6 in the world, it is a big fish in the pond of Europe, but that's all it will ever be now 2) It is nearly 80 years since WW2. With the help of the USSR, the USA and its former Empire - yes the UK was on winning side. Get over it.

Let's face it The UK is one of many countries that make up Europe. As such, just like any other country the UK has got responsabilities, obligations and rights vis-a-vis its neighbours. Looking forward from the 21st century, if the UK continues with that "empirical mind set", displaying total respect for rule of law, for business and for people, for civil liberties and freedom, then it is only reasonable to conclude how relations with neighbours are likely to be inevitably "difficult". The EU is a trade block within Europe. An association of countries. The EU maintains relations with practically all countries in Europe. The UK is now one of those countries. The UK can chose to trade and to relate with the EU or not. Brexit means Brexit, but let's not forget that the EU block is not Europe The idea of the UK rejoining the EU as a member state, is not realistic, in the foreseeable future at least. The UK has proven itself to be absolutely UNTRUSTWORTHY to the marrow. Not only the EU, but other democracies in Europe have seen close up the shennagans of the UK in refusing to implement the EU-UK TCA (brexit) agreement. They see how the UK tries to undermine the GFA int'l peace treaty. They see how the UK supports bedfellows in NI, such as the sectarian taliban-like extremists there. No need to mention the empirical invasion by GB-UK of sovereign Ireland, or the +850 years of strife, and imposition of sectarianism and borders on the island, dividing people and country Yes the UK is a part of Europe.It does have responsibilities toward its neighbours. Only time will tell, how going forward the UK will try forge relations with other countries in Europe, or with the EU block. The UK can choose to enjoy "smooth" relations, or "difficult" relations. It will not be easy and easy task, because, inter alia, the UK has proven itself to be a really UNTRUSTWORTHY neighbour in Europe.

i was against leaving at the time and im against joining again now, as much as i would like to get back on track with the EU we haven't changed anything, we would only be repeating mistakes. but i do want to point out we are far from the only country dealing with a sudden and drastic shift to the right wing of its political spectrum, though i think its fair to argue we have managed to inflict a greater wound on ourselves in the chaos than anyone else did (in Europe at least) personally i think its fear, the effect of the climate reality sinking in and leaders realising they might actually see the consequences in the lifetime of their own political careers. desperation is often a recipe for authoritarianism, and until we deal with that problem the EU is better off without us. P.S. though i do wish we could get the food standards back again today because the idea of eating American food is repulsive.

Rejoining is kind of a pipe dream. It's quite possible that Britons might support it by a 55-45 margin. But unless and until there's a broad consensus, the EU will not be interested. And like how the terms of exit were unclear, I am not sure how much support is on the assumption that Britain can reenter on the same terms that it left. Exemptions are not something that the EU will be interested in negotiating with a re-entering Britain.

Professor Ker-lindsay can you please do the coup in Niger for next week?

The EU neither want nor need the UK back, they're doing just fine without us and in fact are benefiting greatly from Brexit. The EU's economy has grown three times faster than the UK's since 2016 and the largest stock exchange in Europe is now based in Paris not London. Why would anyone think they'd take us back? If we ask nicely we might be able to get back into the single market but that's about it.

I am extremely skeptical of the UK rejoining the EU within even the next 3 decades. And while some of that will be because of internal British politics I think the bigger issue will be the EU itself. I get the sense that while many people in Europe were dismayed at Brexit, as time progresses it is now seen as a blessing. The UK consistently hindered EU projects and fought against further integration. I think in many ways Brexit has renewed optimism in the EU. And if the EU does pursue further integration it will only deepen the resistance in the anti-EU portions of the UK. And it is unlikely that the UK would receive anything close to the special conditions it received during its original time in the EU. I don't think the EU will trust the commitment of the UK if the country was required to join a stronger EU without the privileges it received earlier. Those that support the EU in Europe are not going to want a hesitant UK that will hinder progress and potentially Brexit again after rejoining.

Leaving ultimately will be a good thing. Lose the opt outs, learn the true value of the EU and shut down the euro skeptics. A more pro EU and committed member to the cause would rejoin. Just don’t let the UK rejoin too soon as the bitter pill must be fully swallowed.

I actually trust EU politicians more than the Tories and I’m a conservative

Poor Britain. Turns out they're not as unique and special as they thought they were. I suspect they'll try to negotiate a deal that allows them to keep the pound if they ever try to rejoin, and I also suspect the EU will turn them down. That'll be embarrassing.

Great analysis. When UK exited I was sad for months but from todays perspective it seems as a net gain for the EU. Seems that UK and EU are not the best match after all since UK doesn't like the concept of european federation in which EU evolves gradually. That said, we are still staunch allies best seen by the recent Ukraine coalition. Perhaps some kind of separate arrangement like CH or Norway would be most beneficial.

Steering well clear of any controversy this week! 😁

BREXIT is a complex, horrible and long lasting problem. I am still an EU citizen after 53 years here - but at 67 I am beginning to wonder if Britain will be able to rejoin in anything less than 15-20 years - so I may never see it. I even understand why many EU citizens think Britain will simply NEVER understand what the EU is about - so it should be permanently excluded. However things may gradually change enough to make it possible. At the moment neither of our rather obsolete main parties are even ready to try. I can only hope this issue changes - or destroys them, so they are forced to accept the change.

I've been in the UK from 2004. Seen the benefits of being a member of the EU of freedom of movement. Brits were making money left and right, small businesses were booming, export and import was going through the roof. Not sure what happened, but UK have managed to reverse all of the profits, stopped all of the development. Poverty never been higher than now, displacement. Try to visit any city in Poland and You will see the difference.

You have a new subscriber. Moving back where I belong after 28 years on Florida. Very informative presentation.

I think de Gaulle was right and the UK should just stay out. The EU and the UK appear to want different things, the EU most likely heading to a federalised state destination in the coming years and decades. The best thing they can do now, is co-operate on some critical international affairs.

What I miss in all these speculative discussions is what the UK thinks they can contribute to the EU? Am not talking about economics but more on how the UK can show the EU they are sincere in their wish to join. Less talk on how joining would benefit UK and more on what you would bring.

British and remainer here. As much as I’d love to rejoin, part of me thinks the UK doesn’t deserve it now 🤷🏻‍♂️

It's ok UK. You are free to stay out. You are strong and independent. You don't want us. You got this 💪

Although a majority of people now regret Brexit, I think pro-Leave sentiment would be reignited if the prospect of rejoining became a mainstream political issue. Although an energetic rejoin campaign could attain success in pointing to the disasters of the past few years, there would undoubtedly be stiff resistance to joining the Eurozone, Schengen, etc. For this reason I don't think overwhelming public support to rejoin could be counted on. Also, great video as always.

Finally. Someone who says it like it was/is. No bias. Just facts.. I wish I found your channel earlier.

I still remember the moment I found out we were leaving. "Democracy works, and sometimes it's stupid"

They should oblige the UK to accept shengen and the Euro to see if they are serious.

The British people are an independent race. We don't want others governing the uk and don't want power within others. We voted to leave the European Political Union.

Macron's idea of a "European Political Community" is an ideal half-way house for the UK. It enables the UK to be engaged in questions of European defence and security (which is clearly beneficial to EU member states) while avoiding any question of the UK having to commit to "ever closer union", the Euro, Schengen or ECJ jurisdiction (which UK voters will surely reject when stated explicity, no matter how much 'Bregret' they may express to opinion pollsters in the current year). The EPC is also a handy expedient for the EU to kick the prospect of Ukrainian or Turkish EU membership into the long grass.

If there is a silver lining to all this; is that it reopened the topics of Scotland potentially leaving the UK and Northern Ireland possibly reuniting with Ireland. I have been looking forward to this topic and you delivered it in a succinctly and superbly.

From my perspective as a German I see it like this: I have always been partial towards the UK, have many friends there and visited countless times. So in my heart of hearts, I would have preferred for the UK to stay within the EU. However, there are many reasons why even I think that the UK rejoining just WILL NOT happen. Probably ever. 1) The Uk has always been isolationist and has felt like it wasn't part of continental Europe. Many even look down upon continental Europeans. This outlook on Europe has never changed, and especially after Brexit, it probably will only get worse. 2) Even IF there was a slight chance of the UK returning, it would be under full EU-laws and regulations. No more exceptionalism. No British Pound, probably even a change of your traffic system (however long THAT would take). Just because of this point alone, Britain will never be a part of the EU ever again, because I don't see Brits actually willing to change these things. 3) A somewhat weaker point but it has to be said. What does the UK offer the EU? Sure, the EU would be somewhat more powerful with the UK in its fold, but we have learned that we can do without you. We are still strong enough. Not much has changed in our lives. 4) Can we trust the UK? I mean, if it's THAT easy for the UK to leave, with just ONE referendum, it could very well be that every time you think the EU is too much for you, you can just... leave. And when you need money again, you can just rejoin. Not a good basis to start a relationship on. The EU has seen first hand how easily the UK citizens were manipulated. 5) The UK doesn't get the main goal of the EU. Almost every time I hear from the "rejoiners", officially and inofficially, that they would want to get back into the EU, it's always about "how can the EU benefit me?" and other economical reasons. But that's not even close to the full picture of the EU. The Union is an ambitions cultural and political project, designed first and foremost to bring the people of Europe together in peace, to promote cultural exchange, personal freedom and a strong sense of brotherhood and belonging. The UK has no interest in these things. 6) It would set a catastrophic precedent. If the UK were to rejoin the EU, it would signal to other countries that they can just leave and come back at their leisure. Because "if it worked for the UK, why shouldn't also work for us?". This point is unfortunately absolutely out of the UK's control. Even if you conform to the previous points somehow, this fact would be still a considerable threat to EU-cohesion. So no, I don't think the UK will rejoin the EU ever. If they do, then maybe in 30+ years or so. MAYBE.

I’m a remain and currently live i Netherlands…. I feel that Britain has chosen its path and needs to work harder to make its situation work.. I can’t believe that europe will allow UK back so easily…

Brexit was more than about trade. Normal everyday people woudn't care about trade. Immigration played a huge part as well. The way the leadership is here, they would have screwed up the 'remain' choice as well even though it is the default choice. If it was a mistake, it is because the leadership did not lead the 'Brexit' choice well and was more focused on other things, not necessarily because it was the right or wrong choice.

I believe the UK should be allowed as soon as possible. It is the best for the EU and the UK. The world has become too dangerous for squabbles in Europe. It will make the EU and the UK stronger.

The financial assets of the overseas assets in the UK makes them want to have independence with the Pound. This factor can make it hard for Britain to rejoin the EU because of a finances that may not be the most transparent.

Has anyone ever wondered if the EU want the British back?

There is no possibility whatsoever of Britain re-joining the EU. It took three applications to get in, the task is much more difficult now. People of England; you have made a vary hard bed for yourselves. Poverty, misery and dystopia are now to be your lot.

You haven't mentioned that at any moment of the rejoining process Spain could veto the entry asking for Gibraltar sovereignty in exchange. So i don't see the UK dropping the pound, gibraltar, and his special "island" status just to join. I'm guessing that in the near future, the best the UK can do in regard to the EU is to get a Norway deal of some sort.

I'm desperate for the UK to rejoin however I'm not convinced it will happen in my lifetime. The EU's focus has shifted east, relations with non EU members in the Balkans, Turkey, Ukraine, etc., and a looming financial bill to pay in rebuilding Ukraine will take up much of its energies. If the UK (or any other developed European country that's so far stayed out) wants to join they'll have to make all the running and I don't see Labour or the Conservatives shifting that far any time soon.

I live in Ireland but was born in the UK and voted to join the EEC, had I still been in the UK I would have voted remain. I agree it was a terrible mistake, and I agree with your analysis, and re- joining the single market would make sense, but I'm not sure about the need to join Schengen? I say this because The UK and Ireland are Island nations and have no land borders (apart from NI) with mainland EU. If I want to fly to France I need a passport. Although Ireland was (apparently) more open to joining Schengen but opted out when the UK did to preserve the Common Travel Area.