Blair institute proposes UK rejoin EU within a decade

The Tony Blair Institute has proposed that the UK set a public goal of rejoining the European Union within a decade, provided the bloc undertakes substantial reform. The recommendation is an institute proposal, not government policy, and does not establish whether Andy Burnham or Labour will adopt it. In a report titled Beyond Leave and Remain: A Path to Rejoining a Reformed Europe, the institute argues that Britain should seek a formal relationship with the EU and play a role in shaping a more effective bloc. Blair, the former prime minister, said the UK should not simply return to the single market and customs union. Instead, he made rejoining conditional on reforms within the EU, including changes to improve its ability to make decisions and act as a global power. The report also advocates closer UK-EU cooperation in defence, energy and technology while Britain remains outside the bloc. Its proposals include joining the EU’s SAFE defence fund, developing a North Sea energy partnership and reconnecting to European electricity markets. The institute says electricity-market links could save UK billpayers up to £370 million a year.