The Guardian view on UK-EU relations: voters would reward greater ambition
The architects of Brexit know it has failed. That presents Andy Burnham with an opportunity to set a bolder new agenda
TL;DR
- Nigel Farage, a key figure in the Brexit campaign, is notably silent about its completion, as promised benefits have not materialized.
- Opinion polls show a majority of the British public are dissatisfied with Brexit's outcome, viewing it as more of a failure than a success.
- While voters are not calling for a reversal of Brexit, there is support for closer ties with the EU in areas like trade, defense, and youth mobility.
- The current political climate offers an opportunity for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to pursue a bolder EU relationship, as the electorate is implicitly supportive.
- The strategic imperative for closer UK-EU cooperation is growing, especially in contrast to potential disruptions from Donald Trump's policies.
- An ambitious new model for UK-EU relations, if proposed by Mr. Burnham, would likely garner majority support from British voters.