The ease of rejoining the EU is often overestimated by those who wish it. But the link between the movement to rejoin and other movements is underestimated
The latest National March for Rejoin is scheduled for this coming weekend in London, on Saturday 28 September. It comes at a time of mixed fortunes for those campaigning to take the UK back into the EU. On the one hand, the level of support for rejoining has never been higher. The social and economic effects of Brexit are becoming clearer, and Brexiters sound increasingly defensive.
On the other hand, the political outlook remains challenging. Labour in office has stuck to its red lines on freedom of movement. It talks about “resetting” the relationship, and at least – unlike its predecessors – behaves maturely when dealing with European counterparts. But it persists in its stance that there’s “no case” for joining the Single Market and Customs Union, let alone rejoining the EU as a full member. While there are some hopeful signs, its position on free movement for young people remains a barrier to substantive changes in the relationship.