Global crises mean Britain must rejoin EU, says thinktank

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

The Institute for Public Policy Research has urged the UK to rejoin the European Union, citing heightened global risks from geopolitical tensions with Russia, China, and uncertainty in the US. This recommendation highlights a shift in the Brexit debate, with polling indicating majority public support and a call for membership as the best way to strengthen the UK’s security and international influence.

An influential British think tank has called on the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union, arguing that current global challenges make membership essential for the country’s strategic interests. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said recent geopolitical shifts—including Russian aggression, political uncertainty in the United States, and increased assertiveness from China—have fundamentally altered the international landscape, making the UK’s current approach insufficient.

The IPPR’s position marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over Britain’s relationship with the EU following its departure in 2020. The think tank contends that the UK is no longer seeking to restore its previous status but to join a transformed European Union, reflecting changes in both the bloc and global affairs. It cited recent polling showing that 52% of voters would support rejoining the EU, compared to 29% who oppose such a move.

Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of the IPPR, stated that while the UK government has made some progress in mending ties with Europe through a series of bilateral agreements, these efforts are insufficient to address the broader strategic challenges the country faces. He emphasized that full EU membership remains the most effective option to enhance the UK’s influence and security.

The think tank also critiqued the current Labour Party leadership’s stance. Former party leader Keir Starmer has advocated for closer ties with the EU without pursuing membership in the single market or the EU itself. The IPPR argues this approach leaves the UK at a disadvantage amid rapid geopolitical transformations and diminishing support from traditional allies, particularly the United States.

The call for rejoining the EU aligns with recent statements from figures within the Labour Party, including Andy Burnham, who has expressed interest in exploring all options to redefine Britain’s relationship with Europe.

The debate over the UK’s future ties with the EU remains a contentious issue in British politics. Proponents of re-entry highlight the benefits of collective security, economic integration, and diplomatic leverage, while opponents often cite concerns over sovereignty and regulatory control. The IPPR’s report adds a significant voice to the discussion, framing EU membership as a strategic imperative in an uncertain global environment.

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