The European Union could accelerate Britain’s return to the bloc if the UK decided to rejoin, according to senior EU figures, amid renewed debate over the future of Brexit.

Sandro Gozi, chair of the European Parliament delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, said Brussels would view a British return as a “victory for Europe” rather than a political triumph over the UK. He suggested the process could move significantly faster than for other candidate countries because Britain already shares deep institutional and legal alignment with the EU.

EU sources said the UK’s previous membership would give it a unique advantage in accession talks. Unlike newer candidates, Britain already has extensive experience operating within EU structures, while much of its legislation remains aligned with European standards despite Brexit.

Gozi said there is “institutional memory” on both sides that could help speed up negotiations. Officials also noted that Britain’s regulatory framework is far easier to assess than that of countries currently seeking membership, reducing the complexity of accession talks.

However, EU figures stressed that Britain would still be expected to accept the bloc’s standard membership conditions. That could include a long-term commitment to joining the euro, although sources suggested Brussels may show flexibility given the strict economic requirements for adopting the currency and the fact several EU member states have yet to do so.

The comments come after former health secretary Wes Streeting reignited the Brexit debate by describing the UK’s 2016 vote to leave the EU as a “catastrophic mistake” and arguing Britain should eventually seek to rejoin.

Gozi also suggested that a pro-EU stance could become politically significant for Labour, particularly as the party competes with Reform UK and Nigel Farage for voters.

Despite growing discussion around closer EU ties, officials close to Brussels cautioned there are currently no formal talks on British re-entry. EU diplomats said the bloc remains focused on improving existing post-Brexit agreements with London, including trade and food standards arrangements.

Recent polling, however, points to shifting public opinion. Surveys indicate most Britons now favour closer cooperation with the EU, with a majority also backing eventual re-entry into the bloc. Photo by Bulverton, Wikimedia commons.