10 years after the Brexit referendum and 6 years after leaving the EU, it is clear to us that Brexit isn't working. We believe any benefits have been dwarfed by loss of influence, extra costs and the inefficiencies it has created.
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We think it is time for the Government to Apply to Rejoin the European Union.
While we might not get the same deal as before we nonetheless believe that it would reduce the damage caused by Brexit and help restore our influence by becoming a full member of the EU again. The UK is a large country but is still small in world terms. We feel that improving cooperation with our neighbours will help increase economic stability and strengthen international influence, since relying on distant partners alone is not sufficient. We firmly believe that our future is best secured as part of a strong, united and democratic Europe.
Monday 2nd November 2026
The Prime Minister is clear that a deeper relationship with the EU is in Britain's best interests and around the UK-EU Summit he will say more about the options for our long-term relationship.
Europe is our neighbourhood and the EU are our closest partners and largest market. In 2025, almost half (45%) of the UK’s total trade was with the EU. More than 91,000 UK businesses exported goods to the EU, and nearly 154,000 businesses imported goods. A stronger, deeper relationship is in Britain's best interests.
At the 2025 UK-EU Summit, we reset our relations with the EU and committed to
working together on deals that strengthen our economic and security ties. This cooperation has been further strengthened by the recent agreement for the UK to join the EU's Ukraine Support Loan initiative which will bolster Ukraine's defence while creating new opportunities for British defence firms, jobs and investment. The UK has also struck a deal with the EU to rejoin Erasmus+ which will open up world-class opportunities for learners, educators, young people and communities from 2027.
We will hold the next UK-EU Summit on 20 November in Brussels, where we aim to strike further important deals that will boost our economy, cut red tape, help our businesses grow and provide opportunities to young people denied since Brexit. On the table are trade deals covering food and drink products, a deal on emissions trading, linking our energy systems, a youth experience scheme, and deeper cooperation on immigration. Combined, the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Emissions Trading agreements alone are set to add up to £9 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040, in a significant boost for growth.
However, the Prime Minister believes that should be the floor not the ceiling of our ambition. Around the Summit later this year, he will say more about what he thinks is the right path ahead for Britain and the EU, to strengthen our collective prosperity and security. The PM has been open that there are a range of options and intends to establish consensus around which is best for Britain.
Cabinet Office