Britain could rejoin the European Union without being forced to adopt the euro, but would have to accept freedom of movement and the bloc's single market rules, Michel Barnier, the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator, has said. His remarks, made in a Sky News interview, describe a hypothetical negotiation, not an offer from the EU, and no rejoining talks are under way.

"If it is the choice of the UK to ask for a new negotiation to rejoin, it's perfectly possible to begin such a negotiation without any kind of obligation to take part in the euro," Barnier said. On the single market, he added: "There is no possible negotiation on any kind of cherry-picking or the single market 'a la carte'." He said the four freedoms — movement of people, goods, services and capital — are linked together and are not negotiable.

Polling shows support at a record high

Polling by Professor Sir John Curtice puts support for rejoining the EU at 61 per cent, the highest level recorded since the 2016 referendum. A separate Ipsos poll in October 2026 found 56 per cent would favour applying to return, against 30 per cent who would prefer to remain outside. Support falls when voters are told readmission could require joining the Schengen area and adopting the euro.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the government will "explore options" for a different long-term relationship with the EU after a UK-EU summit in Brussels on 20 November, and has insisted voters would be "the boss" of any changes. Barnier said the decision to seek membership again rests with Britain and its people.

Sources: BritBrief, Barnier: UK could rejoin EU without euro but must accept free movement, 5 November 2026; The Guardian live blog via Archynewsy, UK Could Rejoin EU Without Adopting Euro, Says Michel Barnier, 5 November 2026.