A former European Union commissioner has called for a re-set of EU/UK relations to be stepped up.
Danuta Hubner, also a former Polish MEP, said Brexit “is not working.”
Her comments come in the wake of Tony Blair last week saying the UK should consider going back into the EU in the next ten years.
The intervention by the former British PM puts current premier Andy Burnham, who this week faces his party’s annual conference in Liverpool, under pressure to reconsider the Brexit issue.
A recent opinion poll indicated that such a commitment to rejoin the 27-strong EU could boost the Labour party’s electoral chances. The question is whether there is an appetite among the UK political classes to reopen the Brexit issue.
The UK left the EU after a referendum back in 2016 narrowly supported the Leave campaign spearheaded by Nigel Farage and others. Andy Burnham has, so far, not ruled out the possibility of the UK rejoining the Union.
Blair, who won three national elections for Labour, wants the country’s membership of the bloc put back on the table.
The issue is raised in a paper by the Tony Blair Institute, entitled “A Path to Rejoining a Reformed Europe”.
In his foreword, Tony Blair states that Britain “should signal an intention if the terms are right to enter into a structured formal relationship with Europe and initiate a process of negotiation where everything is on the table but nothing agreed until everything is agreed.”
Speaking to this website, Hubner, who was regional policy commissioner, said, “I fully share the view of those who believe that the geopolitical landscape has changed since 2016 beyond recognition having rest the very essence of the Brexit.
“Today the UK and EU speak one voice on security and support for Ukraine, but when the discussion moves to a possible reset of our relations we are back with the language of cherrypicking and red lines.”
She added, “It is unfortunate that the UK is not part of common procurement under SAFE. In my view the review of our Trade and Cooperation Agreement should be seen as an opportunity to boost our relationship.
“The EU will most likely find, one day,the political will and energy to build a fully fledged European defence architecture and policy, maybe one based on a coalition of the willing logic and the UK as a signatory.
“Growing scope for closer defence cooperation could be a step towards crossing some red lines in the EU-UK relations. The chaotic, turbulent, multipolar world helps the EU and UK see what matters and holds in our relationship and what is our common strategic cause, including on the global stage.
“The reset must be accelerated.”
Hubner noted, “Maybe the idea of associate membership recently mentioned by the President of European Commission could be a source of inspiration for resetting and deepening our relations . Brexit is not working, neither for the UK, nor for the EU.”
Lord Richard Balfe, who sits in the UK House of Lords, also commented on Blair’s speech, agreeing that the process of possible rejoining the EU should be speeded up.
He said, “This really is a case of kicking the can down the road.
“Most people are no longer Brexiteers apart from a vocal group mainly of Tories.”
Balfe, also a former MEP, added, “The PM should set up a cabinet committee with a Minister in the Cabinet office attending.”
This, he says, would be charged with analysing “all aspects of our relations with the EU with the aim of us rejoining.”
He added, “In ten years the odds are that the current PM will be part of history but this could be his proud and lasting legacy. The process of rejoining will have many steps rather than one big one.
“We should begin the process now.”
He went on, “I am a lecturer on The Lord Speakers school’s programme. Whenever I visit a school I say that I regard leaving the EU as the most tragic mistake of my lifetime.
This always gets agreement from children and teachers.”
“Time has moved on from 2016 and we need to rejoin as soon as possible.
“Most of the schoolchildren I speak to were either not born or very young in 2016. They should not have to grow up with this sad legacy of their parents and grandparents foolishness.”
Further comment comes from Dr Denis MacShane, a former Europe Minister under Tony Blair who said, “Seeking headlines by setting deadlines to rejoin EU is childish politics and bad journalism. Every moment we are disconnected from the European economy the UK becomes poorer and loses global influence.
“But as long as the CBI agrees with Nigel Farage that the Brexit decision of 2016 cannot be questioned and that line is supported by the Tories and by elements in all parties, including Labour, the nation is frozen on the Europe question.”
MacShane added, “I would suggest looking at the Swiss option – it is not in the EU, keeps its own country, controls immigration by means of ID cards – but enjoys the benefits of the single market and keeps its own currency.”
Two ex-British MEPs also gave their reaction to Blair.
Dr Richard Corbett, a former MEP for Yorkshire & Humber and Labour Party leader in the European Parliament, told this site, “Tony Blair has added his voice to the growing number calling for Britain to return to the European Union.
“In his case, it is half-hearted, with a lengthy timeline. Polls show that a steadily increasing majority of the public want to go faster.”
Former British Liberal MEP Andrew Duff, meanwhile, was critical of Blair saying his comments were “a bit rich from someone who opposed EU reform throughout his premiership.”
