EU could fast-track Britain's membership if UK decided to reverse Brexit

The Independent describes its reporting focus across reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, emphasizing fact-checking over messaging and sending journalists to speak to both sides. It states it is trusted across the political spectrum and avoids paywalls so reporting and analysis remain accessible. The European Union could fast-track Britain’s return to the bloc if the UK decided to rejoin, countering claims the UK would be delayed. The debate is renewed after Wes Streeting urged rejoining as part of a Labour leadership pitch. Sandro Gozi says a UK request would be a major victory for the European project and that a fast-track route could exist. Brussels sources indicate re-accession could be faster than for other candidates because of the UK’s existing alignment. Joining the euro is expected to be a key starting point, but multiple sources say it is unlikely to be a red line because euro entry requirements are strict and the UK does not currently meet them.

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"The European Union could fast-track Britain's return to the bloc if it decided to rejoin, dispelling suggestions the UK would be pushed to the back of the queue if it tried to reverse Brexit. The debate over Britain's EU membership has been reignited after former health secretary Wes Streeting said the country should rejoin as part of his pitch to lead the Labour Party."

"Sandro Gozi, the chair of the European delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Assembly, told The Independent that the European Union would see a request to rejoin from the UK as a major victory for the European project, insisting that there would be a way to fast-track it. Brussels sources confirmed the UK's potential re-accession could take place much more quickly than it would for other candidate countries, due to its significant pre-existing alignment with the bloc."

Read at www.independent.co.uk