The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has warned that the United Kingdom cannot manage major geopolitical crises effectively unless it rejoins the European Union, arguing that formal membership is necessary to turn sovereignty into practical influence. The thinktank’s paper states: "Sovereignty without the ability to act on it is not autonomy," framing EU membership as a means to restore collective capacity to respond to international threats.
The report points to examples including Russian aggression and political turmoil in the United States as situations where coordinated, multilateral responses are essential. It contends that the UK’s diminished institutional ties with the EU have weakened its ability to shape or lead collective action on security, trade and diplomatic fronts.
The IPPR is the latest organisation with links to the Labour party to advocate that rejoining the bloc should be on the table. The intervention comes after Labour figures including Andy Burnham said they wanted to examine "all possible options" for the country’s international positioning, signalling a renewed conversation inside the party about long-term strategy.
The paper is likely to add fuel to wider debates in Westminster and beyond about the UK’s place in Europe, the balance between national sovereignty and pooled decision-making, and how best to prepare for future global shocks. Policymakers and commentators will watch whether the IPPR’s recommendations influence party positions or public discussion on a topic that remains politically sensitive since the referendum era.