UK Rules Out EU Return After ‘Win-Win’ Brexit Deal

UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement, UK ministers have made it clear that rejoining the European Union is not being considered. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds stated that the government is focused on making Brexit work through “ruthlessly pragmatic” means rather than returning to the ideological divisions of the past. Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this stance, describing the Brexit decision as “settled” and ruling out any move to rejoin the single market or customs union.

The new deal, hailed as a “win-win” by both the UK and the EU, introduces several key provisions aimed at improving economic ties. These include better access to EU food markets for British exporters, a £15 million annual quota of tariff-free steel, and a youth mobility scheme allowing temporary work and residency for young people on both sides. Additionally, the agreement extends EU fishing access to British waters for 12 more years, a move aimed at maintaining stability in the fisheries sector.

Despite broad praise for the agreement’s economic potential, some prominent Brexit supporters have criticized the deal. Figures such as Boris Johnson, Kemi Badenoch, and Priti Patel argue that the government has conceded too much to Brussels, warning that the UK’s sovereignty could be compromised. Nevertheless, the government insists that the deal reflects a balanced and realistic approach to strengthening relations with the EU while respecting the outcome of the Brexit referendum.