Why It’s Time for the UK to Rejoin the Single Market

By Talk2EU Contributors, 26th July 2025.

In the years since Brexit, the landscape in Britain has changed. Public opinion, the economic data, and political realities. They’ve shifted, and fast.

This isn’t about going back. It’s about moving forward.

More voters now back rejoining the Single Market as a practical way to repair some economic damage, to reconnect with our neighbours, and to restore some prosperity, without reopening old Brexit divides.

Here’s why the time is right.

1. Public Opinion

In the past decade, Britain has changed. What was once seen as a fringe idea is now mainstream.

• Over 60% support rejoining the Single Market

• Majorities now back rejoining the EU altogether (Sources: YouGov, Savanta, Omnisis, BMG)

• Even some Leave voters are more open to economic integration, because the cost of isolation is now real to them.

It’s common sense.

2. The Single Market Isn’t “Going Back”

Rejoining the Single Market is not about reversing the referendum.

It’s about repairing damage.

• Countries like Norway and Iceland participate in the Single Market, but aren’t in the EU

• The UK can regain trade access without surrendering sovereignty

Trade, not treaties.

3. Rejoin Means Recovery

We’ve moved past the “Remain vs Leave” debate. The question now is: how do we recover?

• Brexit has cost the UK economy an estimated £100 billion a year (according to Bloomberg)

• Small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and even supermarkets are still feeling the strain

Rejoining the Single Market would:

• Boost growth

• Lower food and import costs

• Reduce delays at ports and borders

• Rebuild supply chains and exports

It’s about the economy.

4. A Sensible Middle Ground

Rejoining the Single Market offers a realistic step forward for both sides.

• It’s not full EU membership

• It doesn’t reopen the referendum debate

It appeals to:

• Remainers who want progress

• Leavers who want solutions, not full reintegration

• Businesses and unions who want stability

It’s not a Brexit reversal.

5. Public Opinion Has Jumped Ahead

The government is avoiding the conversation; but the public is already there.

• Major polls now show clear majorities for rejoining the EU

• Voters want leadership, not silence

• By ignoring the issue, the government is delaying growth and progress, not defending democracy

Politicians aren’t keeping up with public opinion.

6. It’s a Patriotic Case

This isn’t about Europe. It’s about Britain.

• “Let’s get Britain trading again”

• “Take back prosperity”

Fixing our economy is a patriotic act, not a partisan one!

• Rejoining the Single Market means more money for NHS, schools, and public services

Rebuilding is a strength.

7. The Landscape Has Changed

The country looks very different than it did in 2016.

• A new generation of young pro-European voters is coming of age

• Many older voters who backed Brexit have since passed

• The appeal of Brexit has faded, tarnished by the economic fallout

The numbers are changing.

So should the policy.

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It’s Time to Rejoin the Single Market

This is about common sense, not hanging on to nostalgia and the past.

It’s about growth, not grievance.

And above all, it’s about what works, for the Union, for jobs, trade, and for the future.

The longer we wait, the more damage is done.

The public’s ready and the case is strong.

The moment is now.