Could Britain really rejoin the EU? Independent Thinking podcast

Almost exactly ten years since Britain’s seismic vote to leave the EU, the debate reopens thanks to early skirmishes in the fight for leadership of the Labour Party and thus the prime ministership.

Audio

Published 22 May 2026 — 35 minute listen

Could a credible bid to rejoin the EU make its way onto Britain’s political agenda? Are the drastically changed economic and defence environments making the case for re-entry unanswerable? And under what terms would European leaders consider the return of their often-troublesome former partner?

Bronwen Maddox talks over a major potential shift for the entire continent with Chatham House visiting fellow Ben Judah, director of our UK in the World programme Olivia O’Sullivan, and associate fellow and Financial Times international trade specialist Alan Beattie.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

More ways to listen: Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Explore our other Chatham House podcasts.