How Being in the European Union Would Benefit the UK

What is the European Union?

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership between 27 European countries.

It was established after World War II to promote peace, stability, and economic cooperation. At its core, the EU allows the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within its internal single market, offering member states both influence and protection on the global stage.

The EU also creates shared policies on important issue such as trade, migration, climate policy, and human rights.

What are the Benefits of Being Part of the European Union?

Becoming a member of the European Union again would have many important benefits for people in the UK. Some of these include:

• Access to the Single Market: UK businesses previously enjoyed frictionless trade with EU countries, helping reduce costs and expand opportunities for growth and investment. Being outside the Single Market is holding back the British economy and slowing down growth
• Freedom of Movement: As an EU member, British citizens would be able to live, work, and study across the EU without needing visas. This would open up cultural and professional opportunities for millions of people in the UK.
• Investment and Funding: The EU provides financial support for infrastructure, research, education, and regional development, often benefiting less affluent areas.
• Shared Standards and Protections: EU laws help uphold consumer rights, environmental protections, human rights and workplace regulations such as the right to maternity leave.
• Global Influence: As part of a powerful bloc, the UK would have greater weight in negotiating trade deals and responding to global challenges like climate change and security threats.

The UK has played an important role in helping shape the European Union and related European institutions.

Winston Churchill laid out a powerful vision of united Europe after World War II. He was instrumental in creating the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), of which the UK was the first official signatory in 1951.

The UK became a member of the European Union (and its predecessor, the European Economic Community) in 1973. In 1975, there was a referendum to confirm the UK’s membership, and 67% voted in favour of staying in the EEC.

During its membership, the UK played a major role in shaping EU policies and was seen as a key voice for liberal economic policies and democratic values. For example, UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher helped push forward the creation of the Single Market in 1986, which allowed for trade without barriers between EU countries.

Britain officially left the EU in 2020 following the 2016 referendum. In recent years, polls show that public opinion has shifted, and a majority of Brits now believe that Brexit was a mistake.

Can Britain Rejoin the European Union?

The decision to leave the EU can’t be undone overnight. However, with Brexit causing huge damage to our country every day, and increasing public support for rebuilding ties with Europe, it’s clear that something has to change.

At the European Movement, we are campaigning for practical steps that can be taken right now to restore collaboration with Europe - such as rejoining the Erasmus+ programme, removing trade barriers, and better cooperation on defence and security.

These steps will start to undo some of the worst damage of Brexit. But there is no doubt that they still can’t come close to restoring the full benefits we had as EU members. So in the long term, our goal is to see the UK take up full membership of the European Union.

Success will rely on several factors: consistent and enthusiastic support from a clear majority of the public; a government with the political will to revisit the Brexit decision, backed up by a cross-party consensus; and trust and willingness on the EU side to support the UK rejoining.

In recent years, we’ve been making progress on all of these fronts, moving us closer to the day we are able to once again take our place at the heart of Europe.

How You Can Help Build Closer Ties with the European Union

The European Movement is the only cross-party, single issue campaign focussed on strengthening ties with Europe. We are entirely powered by individual members and supporters who believe that the UK would be better off back in the EU.

You can get involved with the European Movement by becoming a member, making a donation, signing a petition, or attending a local event. Or sign up to our email list today to receive the latest news, updates, and opportunities to help.