Brexit Has Failed and Starmer Must Abandon Red Lines to Rebuild EU Relations
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/rafaelbehr. "The Brexit delusion is dead – so now Keir Starmer doesn’t need to pretend any more | Rafael Behr | The Guardian." April 15, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues that Brexit has clearly failed and the world has become more dangerous, so Britain's Prime Minister should stop pretending Brexit can work and instead move toward rejoining the EU. He believes Starmer is being too cautious and should make the bold case for European integration rather than trying to have it both ways.
Conclusion
Keir Starmer should abandon his Brexit red lines and pursue closer EU integration, including potentially rejoining, because Brexit has demonstrably failed and global circumstances now make European cooperation essential
Premises
- Brexit was based on false assumptions about global trade remaining open and Britain's ability to negotiate as equals with superpowers
- Current geopolitical threats from Putin, Trump, and China create an irresistible case for Britain to make common cause with Europe
- Opinion polls show a clear majority believe Brexit has gone badly, indicating public opinion has shifted
- Starmer's current approach of modest alignment while maintaining red lines is insufficient and slows meaningful progress
- The EU will demand significant concessions (free movement, budget contributions, rule-taking) for any meaningful economic benefits
- Global events have refuted every Eurosceptic myth about the benefits of leaving the EU
Assumptions
- EU membership provides more national power through continental collaboration than sovereignty outside the bloc
- Economic integration with Europe is more valuable than trade deals with other regions
- Public opinion on Brexit can be shifted through political leadership and argument
- The EU would be willing to negotiate a new relationship or readmit the UK under certain conditions
- Starmer has the political capital and time to reverse his previous Brexit stance