Thousands of protesters marched in London on Saturday during the National Rejoin March. The march proceeded to Parliament Square, where participants called for the United Kingdom to rejoin the European Union. This week marks the 10th anniversary of the British referendum decision to leave the EU.
The demonstration coincides with new opinion polls showing that a majority (60%) of Britons are now in favor of returning to the EU. The surveys also reveal that many Britons want to strengthen ties with Brussels.
Challenger
At the same time, Starmer faces intense pressure within his own party. The debate over his political future has accelerated in recent days. Labour politician Andy Burnham’s rise plays a significant role, as he is considered the main challenger to Starmer within the party.
Promotion
Burnham’s staff have urged Starmer to set a date for his resignation as prime minister. Conversations have reportedly included the possibility of a government change around mid-September. Other sources suggest Starmer may make a decision as soon as today.
Return
Growing public support for closer ties with the European Union increases political pressure on Starmer. Simultaneously, he is faced with an intensifying internal power struggle within Labour. Manchester Mayor Burnham is reportedly more popular than Starmer, who is seen more as a technocrat.
However, an immediate return to the European Union is not yet in sight. The polls and demonstrations do show, though, that the debate over the UK’s relationship with Europe has reignited fully. In July, there will be a major UK-EU summit where Starmer aims to reach agreements with the EU on a 'reset' of the British Brexit separation.
It remains unclear whether Starmer will actually announce a date for his departure.