Rejoin campaign could be vote winner

An open letter to Keir Starmer: We are writing to ask you to please refrain from repeatedly stating that “There is no case for rejoining the EU” as if this were an immutable fact.

Most recently you made this comment in your interview with James O'Brien on LBC radio on 6 April 2022.

Instead, why not allow for the possibility that there could be such a case, even if you are currently unpersuaded? For example, you might say:

“It is clear that Brexit isn’t working and that we need to find a better way forward. I am open minded about what form the future relationship between the UK and the EU might take.”

or

“I don't believe that the country is yet ready to address the issue of rejoining the EU.”

As Leader of the Opposition and prospective Prime Minister your words carry considerable authority with the public. Many people take their lead from you. In respect of the question of Brexit, you are in danger of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You are stifling public debate, particularly amongst potential Labour supporters, on the extremely important question of the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Why not show brave and principled leadership on this issue and do the right thing for Britain and Europe, rather than ducking the issue in the hope – misguided in our view – that it will secure you a few more votes in the so-called and largely mythical “Red Wall”.

In truth, there is very much a case for rejoining the EU, particularly at a time that the whole of Europe is under threat from authoritarian and violent regimes both outside and inside our borders.

We can see that other countries are now queueing up to join the EU and it looks increasingly likely that Ukraine will be a member before very long. The USA is increasingly looking towards the EU rather than Britain as its main partner in dealing with the Ukrainian war and for its European policy more generally. Our isolation because of Brexit becomes more apparent by the day.

By all means, fight to regain “Red Wall” seats but, in doing so, please don't irrevocably damage the future of our country. That's Boris Johnson's job, not yours.

Please don't forget that in 2019 almost 54% of votes were cast for parties offering Remain or a second referendum.

Not only is keeping the question of rejoining the EU the right thing to do for our country, but it can be a vote winner too if the case is made with clarity and conviction.

Steve Rouse (chair),

Sam Hollings (secretary),

Swindon for Europe

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