Date: 1 October 2026 Tags:UK Politics, European Union, Brexit, France Summary: French President Emmanuel Macron said Britain seeking to rejoin the EU would be “very good news” for Europe and the UK. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also said Spain would welcome a British application to rejoin the bloc. Macron described Brexit as the “biggest lie of the last 30 years”, criticising its economic, immigration and trade outcomes. His comments followed Prime Minister Andy Burnh

Date: 30 September 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Brexit, European Union, Labour Summary: Prime Minister Andy Burnham said rejoining the European Union is among options the government could examine. Burnham said the existing Brexit settlement had caused “more harm than good” and Britain should consider its long-term relationship. Options mentioned include maintaining current arrangements, joining a customs union, entering the single market or pursuing full EU membership. Burnham sai

Date: 21 September 2026 Tags: Canada, UK Politics, European Union, Trade Summary: Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne called for the UK to join closer economic cooperation between Canada and Europe. Champagne said changing global relationships meant Canada, Europe and Britain should consider new forms of partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed exploring an unprecedented EU “associate membership” arrangement for Canada. Ca

Date: 22 September 2026 Tags: UK Politics, European Union, Brexit, Business Summary: Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned proposed EU procurement rules could create “collateral damage” for British manufacturers and supply chains. The Industrial Accelerator Act would prioritise EU-based manufacturers for certain public contracts and subsidies. The proposals are partly intended to reduce European dependence on Chinese companies and strengthen domestic manufacturing. Burnham plans

Date: 16 September 2026 Tags: European Union, Canada, Trade, European Security Summary: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed proposals for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member”. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a “unique alliance” with Europe amid deteriorating relations with the United States. Von der Leyen said closer EU-Canada ties would strengthen both sides rather than create an alliance against another country. Potenti

Date: 30 August 2026 Tags: Europe, Politics, European Union, Iceland Summary: Iceland voted against restarting European Union accession talks. 52.8% voted No, while 47.2% voted Yes. Around 225,000 votes were counted, with a margin of about 12,600 votes. Voter turnout reached 82.5%, the highest since 2009. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir had brought the referendum forward from 2027. Iceland remains part of the EU single market and Schengen area. Full EU membership would h

Date: 29 August 2026 Tags: Iceland, European Union, Politics, Economy Summary: Icelanders are voting on whether the country should restart negotiations to join the European Union. Polling indicates a close contest, with the latest survey putting the No campaign ahead on 51.6%. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir brought the planned referendum forward amid changing international circumstances. Iceland already participates in the EU single market and Schengen through its membe