UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant Says He Hopes Britain Will Rejoin the EU

British trade minister Chris Bryant told the AFP that he hopes to see the United Kingdom re‑enter the European Union sometime in his lifetime, describing Brexit as having caused "enormous problems" for the UK economy. He said his "heart broke on the night of the Brexit vote" and warned that any return to the bloc is a long‑term prospect – "we’re not going to be doing that this summer".

Bryant cited the loss of about 16,000 UK firms that now export less to Europe and noted that 47 % of Britain’s trade still occurs with EU members, underscoring the economic incentive to strengthen ties. While the Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is moving closer to the EU, it stops short of committing to full membership, the single market, or a customs union. Fellow Labour MP Wes Streeting has also called for a return to the EU, prompting criticism from hard‑right Brexit champion Nigel Farage.

The remarks come amid internal Labour turmoil after poor local‑election results, with some MPs urging Starmer to step down, and reflect a renewed domestic debate over the country's post‑Brexit relationship with Europe.