Neil Kinnock calls re‑entry to EU the only patriotic move for Britain

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock told The Independent that the United Kingdom should rejoin the European Union, calling it “the only patriotic thing to do”. In the interview, part of the Europe: The Way Back campaign, he urged Labour figures such as Andy Burnham to rethink the party’s “red lines” that block any move toward a customs union, single market access or free‑movement agreements.

Kinnock argued that Brexit has cost the British economy at least six percent of growth – roughly £3,200 per person each year – and described the departure as a “debilitating, long‑lasting illness”. He appealed to younger voters, saying the decision should be “do it for the kids”, and suggested a future referendum could produce a two‑to‑one vote for re‑entry. The former leader also criticised Nigel Farage’s silence on Brexit’s benefits and warned that the current referendum mandate is not permanent.

Kinnock’s comments come as Labour prepares its next manifesto and a new prime minister is expected to shape the UK‑EU relationship at an upcoming summit.