“It’s easy to see why we’re falling out of love with Brexit”
16:26, 01 May 2026Updated 16:27, 01 May 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to the European Commission headquarters(Image: Benjamin Creme/Getty)
The latest reader letters in our sister print title The Herald consider Europe’s role in the Prime Minister’s future, King Charles’ state visit to the US and more.
Get in touch – tell us what you think. You can comment below or email yoursay@plymouthherald.co.uk to be featured.
Could Europe now save Sir Keir Starmer?
Could Europe save Starmer? Perhaps, if Sir Keir wants it to. Next month’s (May 7) local elections are expected to be bad for the Prime Minister’s party and that’s pretty much priced in already, judging by the media coverage.
But the following month (June 23) is the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum. It will be a moment for reflection about what has happened in the decade since and whether what was promised has been delivered – and if Britain is better or worse off as a result of leaving the European Union.
It’s certainly going to leave many of Sir Keir’s opponents – Brexit advocates or those responsible for EU negotiations and the deal delivered – on the back foot.
Ideally, I would like to see a Prime Minister backing better EU relations – and the idea of eventually rejoining – on principle because it’s the best thing possible for our country. But I am also a realist, and would settle for a PM who sees it as politically expedient.
I’m not alone. A poll published by Best for Britain recently (April 17) found the majority (53%) of us want to rejoin – and fewer than a third stay out (32%). Among supporters of Sir Keir’s Labour Party, the rejoin figure is 83%.
Similar for LibDems and Greens; even two-fifths of Conservatives (39%) and, perhaps most surprisingly, one in five (18%) of Reform supporters back rejoin.
Many have had a rethink since giving the likes of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage the benefit of the doubt in 2016. “None of the heady promises of the various Leave campaigns have quite landed,” said Sir Philip Rycroft, the top civil servant in the Department for Exiting the European Union from 2017 to 2019, last week (April 24).
He concludes: “It’s not hard to see why we might be falling out of love with Brexit.”
In particular, Sir Philip points to: no prospect of a promised great US trade deal, other deals agreed being no better than ones the EU itself has secured, rising immigration, “a significant hit” to our economy, and a security outlook that is very different from a decade ago.
Reform UK has overtaken the Tories as Labour’s chief rival. Leader Nigel Farage is vulnerable on Brexit, having pressed for it for decades and – despite Boris Johnson implementing an already limited and hardline version – pressing for something still more naive and isolationist.
Then there’s Mr Farage’s links to Donald Trump, who’s harmed the UK economy via tariffs and actions in the Middle East. The US President is reportedly questioning whether the Falkland Islands should be British, too.
Plenty of potential attack lines then for a more confident, more pro-European Labour Party. A change of leader isn’t essential.
Peter Brown
Well done King Charles on an excellent speech!
I thought it was wrong for the Government to ask King Charles to go to the USA, but he has done a remarkably good job in a bad situation.
His speeches were exceptionally well delivered with just the right amount of spirit and humour. Whoever wrote them is to be congratulated. They were clearly very carefully written and scrutinised so as not to kowtow to the bully in the White House or give such a prickly character cause to take offence.
Well done, King Charles.
David Stanbury
Scandal could still backfire on critics
Is it me, or is this whole so-called scandal about Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson about to backfire spectacularly on the Tories and the media?
Jessica Goetia Brooking
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Raising vital funds for a worthy cause
I am writing from Arthritis UK to invite the community to take part in our brand-new arthritis-friendly movement fundraising challenge, Get Your Move On this May.
With one in six of us struggling with the pain, fatigue and stiffness of arthritis, this isn’t just about fundraising – it’s about helping people build sustainable exercise habits that can help manage arthritis symptoms.
Arthritis can also leave people feeling isolated, so Get Your Move On will also help connect a supportive community of people who understand, and provide access to valuable information and resources.
All participants can choose a preferred form of exercise and set their own time targets, and have the option to join a designated Facebook community group for support, inspiration and advice through the month.
We welcome everyone to join Get Your Move On from May 1 to May 31, and are delighted to support you work towards your personal movement goals whist raising vital funds for Arthritis UK to support our crucial research and support services.
More information and sign up can be found on the Arthritis UK website, or by emailing fundraising@arthritis-uk.org
Bethan Thobani-Hacker (Head of Public Fundraising, Arthritis UK)