Brief
IPPR report urges Andy Burnham to steer UK back into EU amid Russian threat
The think‑tank argues that rising Russian aggression and an unpredictable Donald Trump make EU membership essential for the UK.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, is being urged by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) to begin work toward re‑joining the European Union, a new report says. The report links the push to heightened Russian aggression and the unpredictable stance of US President Donald Trump, arguing that EU membership is vital for the country’s prosperity, security and democracy.
What happened
The IPPR report, released on 18 October 2026, claims that the EU has transformed into a major security alliance in response to Vladimir Putin’s war in Europe. It cites new polling commissioned by IPPR and Persuasion UK that shows a 64‑36 split in favour of re‑entry among respondents who expressed a view. Among Labour voters, 54 % now support re‑joining the bloc, compared with 36 % who prefer staying out.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that the report stresses the EU’s increased defence spending and its implications for industry and supply chains, suggesting that the bloc the UK would re‑join is fundamentally different from the one it left in 2016. It also points out that the IPPR has close links to Labour, positioning the recommendation as a political as well as strategic argument.
What was said
Harry Quilter‑Pinner, IPPR executive director, told the outlet: “The government has made important progress in repairing relations with Europe, but a series of individual deals will not be enough… There is one option which is best for the UK’s relationship with Europe – membership of the EU.” Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock added: “As the IPPR says and every sensible citizen knows, the world has changed traumatically in 10 years… the rational course is for the UK to join the EU again in the national interest.”
How it came about
The report builds on earlier Felo News coverage of UK‑related security concerns, including the September 2026 story on Donald Trump’s criticism of UK leader Keir Starmer’s stance on Russia (trump‑says‑starmer‑too‑tough‑on‑russia). That piece highlighted Burnham’s full backing for Ukraine, a position echoed in the new IPPR analysis as part of the broader argument for closer EU ties.
Key facts
- IPPR recommends the UK re‑join the EU to protect prosperity, security and democracy. (independent.co.uk)
- New polling shows 64% of respondents favour EU re‑entry, with 54% of Labour voters supporting it. (independent.co.uk)
- Harry Quilter‑Pinner said EU membership is the only viable option for the UK’s relationship with Europe. (independent.co.uk)
- Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock endorsed the report, calling EU re‑entry the "only patriotic thing to do". (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “UK must rejoin EU to combat growing threat from Russia and Trump, Burnham warned”
