Topic analysis

Britain should seek to rejoin EU, says civil servant who led Brexit department

Former UK Brexit department permanent secretary Philip Rycroft has urged Britain to begin discussions on rejoining the EU, arguing Brexit promises on economics and immigration have not been fulfilled, including unmet US trade deal expectations and GDP losses from leaving the single market, plus security concerns amid the Ukraine war. A European Parliament hearing also raised issues over post-Brexit rights for EU citizens in the UK (such as children facing high healthcare charges) and British citizens in Europe, criticizing the UK government for ending funding to support charities like Settled and British in Europe.