UK Must Abandon Pound to Rejoin EU, Senior MEP States

A senior Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has stated that the United Kingdom would need to abandon the pound sterling and adopt the euro as a condition for rejoining the European Union. Sandro Gozi MEP, a French representative in the Renew Europe group and formerly Italy's Europe minister, described Brexit as a "democratic disaster" and expressed a desire for Britain to become part of a "more integrated" EU.

According to Gozi, rejoining the bloc would necessitate adherence to EU rules, including the adoption of the euro, free movement of people, and potentially increased financial contributions to the continent. He suggested that any bid to rejoin would require the UK to "start from scratch" and apply current EU regulations.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously voiced his aspiration for the UK to rejoin the EU within his lifetime. However, any new member's accession requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states, and new members are legally bound to adopt the euro. Political scientist Anand Menon, director of the UK In A Changing Europe think-tank, commented that while the EU might welcome the UK back, they would likely seek terms favorable to themselves.

Gozi also indicated that European nations are increasingly seeking greater cooperation on defense, referencing calls for a European fighting force and suggesting the UK should participate in such initiatives. Downing Street declined to comment on these remarks.

Opposition to these sentiments was voiced by Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith, who criticized the Prime Minister's pro-EU stance. Griffith argued that such statements weaken the UK's negotiating position and that the British public would not support relinquishing the pound, reintroducing free movement, or returning control of laws to Brussels.