Former Brexit Department Head Advocates for Reconsideration of EU Membership Amid Ongoing Rights Concerns

Apr 24, 2026, 11:47

Introduction

Philip Rycroft, former permanent secretary of the UK''s Department for Exiting the European Union, has publicly argued that Britain should begin a discussion about potentially rejoining the EU, citing unfulfilled promises of the Leave campaign and economic setbacks. Concurrently, issues regarding the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in the EU persist, with funding for support charities being terminated.

Main Body

Rycroft, writing in The Times, stated that the ambitious promises of the Brexit campaign, including a comprehensive trade deal with the United States and sustained economic growth, have not materialized. He noted that most economic analyses indicate a significant reduction in GDP following departure from the single market, and that the argument for re-entry is ''there to be won,'' though the process would be protracted and uncertain. His comments align with a growing sentiment within the Labour Party, where some cabinet ministers are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to pursue closer alignment with the EU, such as joining a customs union or the single market. Starmer has previously indicated openness to ''even closer alignment'' with the single market but has maintained that rejoining the single market or customs union is not under consideration. Separately, a European parliament hearing addressed concerns over the rights of children born to EU citizens in the UK who may not have applied for settled status, potentially facing high healthcare charges. Michal Meduna of the European Commission highlighted that the UK''s approach has significant consequences for newborn children. The Home Office was criticized for ending funding for charities assisting vulnerable EU citizens with late settlement applications. The charity Settled reports hundreds of weekly advice requests without Home Office funding. British in Europe, a coalition representing British citizens in the EU, stated that its principals now work unpaid and called for UK government funding. The UK government defended the funding cessation, noting £32 million spent since 2019 and that fewer applications are now being made, with alternative support available through the settlement scheme resolution centre.

Conclusion

The debate over the UK''s relationship with the EU continues, with a former senior civil servant advocating for a reassessment of membership, while practical challenges regarding citizens'' rights and support services remain unresolved. The government maintains its position against rejoining the single market or customs union, but internal political pressure for closer alignment persists.

Vocabulary Learning

cessation
The fact or process of ending or being brought to an end; a halt.終止，停止
Example:The UK government defended the funding cessation, noting £32 million spent since 2019.
coalition
A temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action, especially in politics.聯盟，聯合
Example:British in Europe, a coalition representing British citizens in the EU, called for funding.
principals
The most important people in an organization, especially those in leading or controlling roles.負責人，主要人物
Example:British in Europe stated that its principals now work unpaid and called for UK government funding.
protracted
Lasting for a long time or longer than expected; prolonged.持久的，曠日持久的
Example:Rycroft noted that the process of rejoining the EU would be protracted and uncertain.
reassessment
The act of reconsidering or evaluating something again, especially to form a new opinion.重新評估，重新考慮
Example:A former senior civil servant advocated for a reassessment of EU membership.

Sentence Learning

Philip Rycroft, former permanent secretary of the UK's Department for Exiting the European Union, has publicly argued that Britain should begin a discussion about potentially rejoining the EU, citing unfulfilled promises of the Leave campaign and economic setbacks.
Main clause with an appositive noun phrase, a that-clause as direct object, and a present participial phrase providing additional reasons.主句包含一個同位語名詞短語、一個that從句作為直接賓語，以及一個現在分詞短語提供附加原因。
He noted that most economic analyses indicate a significant reduction in GDP following departure from the single market, and that the argument for re-entry is 'there to be won,' though the process would be protracted and uncertain.
Main clause with two coordinated that-clauses; the second that-clause includes a concessive subordinate clause introduced by 'though' and a direct quote.主句包含兩個並列的that從句；第二個that從句包含一個由'though'引導的讓步從句和一個直接引語。
His comments align with a growing sentiment within the Labour Party, where some cabinet ministers are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to pursue closer alignment with the EU, such as joining a customs union or the single market.
Main clause followed by a non-restrictive relative clause introduced by 'where', which contains an infinitive phrase as object complement and an appositive example phrase.主句後接一個由'where'引導的非限制性關係從句，該從句包含一個不定式短語作為賓語補足語和一個同位語舉例短語。
Separately, a European parliament hearing addressed concerns over the rights of children born to EU citizens in the UK who may not have applied for settled status, potentially facing high healthcare charges.
Main clause with a complex noun phrase containing a relative clause modifying 'children', and a present participial phrase indicating a potential consequence.主句包含一個複雜名詞短語，其中有一個修飾'children'的關係從句，以及一個表示潛在後果的現在分詞短語。
The debate over the UK's relationship with the EU continues, with a former senior civil servant advocating for a reassessment of membership, while practical challenges regarding citizens' rights and support services remain unresolved.
Main clause followed by an absolute construction introduced by 'with' (subject + present participle) and a subordinate clause introduced by 'while' indicating contrast.主句後接一個由'with'引導的獨立結構（主語+現在分詞）和一個由'while'引導的表示對比的從句。