MPs to debate rejoining the EU after petition passes 111,000 signatures
A Westminster Hall debate at 4.30pm on Monday will consider a public petition calling for Britain to apply to rejoin the EU 'as soon as possible', in the first Commons airing of the question since Andy Burnham's conference intervention.
MPs will debate whether Britain should apply to rejoin the European Union on Monday afternoon, after a public petition urging the Government to do so 'as soon as possible to increase growth in the UK' gathered 111,687 signatures.
The Westminster Hall debate, scheduled for 4.30pm, will be opened by Tony Vaughan, the Labour MP for Folkestone and Hythe, on behalf of the Petitions Committee. It is the first time Parliament has debated the question of rejoining since Andy Burnham told Labour's conference he would set out the options for a new relationship with Europe.
The petition argues that, ten years after the 2016 referendum, Britain should apply to rejoin, 'reverse the damage, boost growth, increase tax revenues and restore opportunities in the UK'. Its strongest support came from constituencies including Brighton Pavilion, Hove and Portslade, Hastings and Rye, and Cambridge.
Apply to Rejoin the EU as soon as possible to increase growth in the UK.E-petition 749128
The Government has already responded to the petition by saying Britain will not rejoin the EU, pointing instead to closer cooperation with Brussels. That response was issued before Burnham replaced Sir Keir Starmer; Burnham has since said all options must be examined, public opinion has shifted, and the country needs 'an honest conversation' before going back to voters with the choices.
The Green Party, the SNP and Plaid Cymru are expected to back rejoining, while the Conservatives and Reform UK remain opposed. The Liberal Democrats support the UK joining the EU single market and a customs union with the EU, short of full rejoining. Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage have both said they will reverse any Labour reset measures, with Farage warning that reopening the question hands his party a gift in Leave-voting seats.
Westminster Hall debates do not bind the Government, but the session marks the first parliamentary airing of the rejoin question under Burnham's premiership. The House of Commons Library has published a research briefing for the debate, setting out each party's stated position on Britain's future relationship with Europe.
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