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Another EU referendum won’t happen ‘in my lifetime’, Neil Kinnock says(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe ex-Labour leader Neil Kinnock, who served as Vice-President of the European Commission between 1999 to 2004, warned Brexit had ‘inflicted such harm’ on Britain<\/p>\n
09:38, 17 Aug 2025Updated 09:58, 17 Aug 2025<\/p>\n
Another EU referendum won’t happen ‘in my lifetime’, Neil Kinnock says(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
A second referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union won’t happen “in my lifetime”, Neil Kinnock<\/a> has said.<\/p>\n The ex-Labour leader, who served as Vice-President of the European Commission between 1999 to 2004, warned Brexit<\/a> had “inflicted such harm” on Britain. And he cast doubt on the ability of the government to grasp sustained and high levels of economic growth outside the single market and customs union.<\/p>\n His comments come after a poll showed earlier this month nearly half of voters<\/a> want another EU referendum within five years. Less than a third said they would back Brexit in a new vote. But asked whether he believed there was a possibility of a second vote in his lifetime, Lord Kinnock, 83, replied: “Not in my lifetime, no. It’s not going to happen in my lifetime.”<\/p>\n READ MORE: Rachel Reeves gives update on wealth tax calls as pressure mounts to target richest Brits<\/a>READ MORE: Major change to drink-driving limit under huge shake-up of road safety laws plan<\/a><\/p>\n But he predicted that Britain would join a new European organisation in the future. He told The Mirror<\/a> : “In my grandchildren’s lifetime, probably my children’s lifetime, we will be part of a Europe-wide economic and political organisation.<\/p>\n “The EU is going through changes as well, of course, as everything does. That will come about because of the reality of proximity. It’s by far our biggest market. It was until seven years ago, free of impediment.”<\/p>\n READ MORE: ‘Scrap Tory two-child benefit limit to lift kids out poverty’ Neil Kinnock says<\/a><\/p>\n Lord Kinnock, who campaigned alongside other party leaders to Remain during the 2016 referendum vote, added: “That change is not going to take place while I’m breathing. I just wish it was because it would be for the benefit of our country.<\/p>\n “The real patriots are those arguing for the closest possible relationship, economically, politically, and in strategic terms.”<\/p>\n Be the first with news from Mirror Politics<\/p>\n BLUESKY: <\/strong>Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here<\/a>. And follow our Mirror Politics team here – Lizzy Buchan<\/a>, Mikey Smith<\/a>, Kevin Maguire<\/a>, Sophie Huskisson<\/a>, Dave Burke<\/a> and Ashley Cowburn<\/a>.<\/p>\n POLITICS WHATSAPP: <\/strong>Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here.<\/a> We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n NEWSLETTER: <\/strong>Or sign up here to the Mirror’s Politics newsletter<\/a> for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n