Starmer revolt revives debate over undoing Brexitundoing Brexit
Senior Labour figures in Britain renewed calls for rejoining the European Union after a public revolt against Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensified in May 2026.
The dispute centers on whether to keep repairing Britain’s post-Brexit ties with Europe or reopen the question of membership, which still shapes the country’s economy and foreign policy.
Labour critics
Wes Streeting and other Labour figures argue that leaving the European Union was a major mistake and that Britain should consider reversing course. They present rejoining as a way to restore economic stability and closer links with Europe.
Starmer government
Supporters of Keir Starmer say the priority is to fix the damage from Brexit without reopening a divisive national argument. They favor practical steps that improve trade and cooperation while avoiding a new referendum fight.
- The 2016 Brexit referendum passed by a narrow margin after a deeply polarizing campaign.
- Britain left the EU’s single market and customs union, which made trade more complicated.
- Greater Manchester became the first English city-region to gain a directly elected mayor in 2017.
