On Friday 5 June, it was my privilege to accompany the Rejoin Ramble on the final leg of its journey from London to Brussels. My 18km contribution was a mere fraction of the 320km journey undertaken by Peter Corr, Clare Hall, Ceira Sergeant, Steve Rouse and Marissa Zoeller, in all weathers. My two blisters were as nothing to compared to the 17 blisters of my fellow ramblers.
The five intrepid travellers were met at various stages of their 14-day journey by pro-EU campaigners. But the welcome outside of the European parliament was the highlight of the journey, drawing a considerable crowd that included current and former MEPs.
We're back in the EU 😁😱❤️🇪🇺#RejoinEU youtu.be/Zd8BFHRZOYs?…
— National Rejoin March (@marchforrejoin.co.uk) 2026-06-06T04:57:16.728Z
Delivering a message
The main aim of the ramble was to deliver a message from the British people, namely that we want our EU citizenship back. This message was hand-delivered in the form of a booklet entitled Voices across the Channel containing hundreds of individual messages of support for rejoining the EU.
The booklet was handed over by Sergeant – who was too young to vote in the Brexit referendum – to Sandro Gozi MEP, Renew FR, co-chair of the EU-UK parliamentary partnership assembly. In his response, Gozi questioned the crowd as to whether the pre-Brexit promises of “Mr Disaster” (otherwise known as Nigel Farage) had been delivered. There were resounding cries of “No!”
Gozi also reminded the crowd that the door was open and that any application from the UK to rejoin would not only be welcomed, but could even be fast-tracked. This point was reiterated by Richard Corbett, the former leader of Labour MEPs who said,“the UK is looking increasingly isolated. The leaders of Spain, Poland and Hungary recently made it clear the EU would welcome us back.”
The voice of the people
Corr, who is organiser of the National March for Rejoin (NMR)– including the fourth annual rally taking place in London on Saturday 20 June (NMR IV) – pointed out that the UK now has the largest pro-EU campaign across Europe. A recent YouGov poll shows that 70% of the British people support closer ties with the EU, and at least 56% now want to fully rejoin the bloc. “We always hear from politicians and the media, but not from ordinary people,” Corr stated, adding that “this is a clear sign from the British people. We made a mistake. We need each other, we are stronger together.”
Corr’s partner, Hall added, “for several years, we’ve worked to challenge misinformation and keep alive the case for Rejoin. Public opinion is shifting, as more Britons realise Brexit failed to deliver. Our message to politicians on both sides of the channel is that Britain belongs in the EU.”
It was a pleasure to speak at the arrival in Brussels today of the Rejoin Ramblers, who hiked there all the way from London
— Richard Corbett CBE (@richardcorbett.bsky.social) 2026-06-05T16:53:20.584Z
Government reticence
While the people are making an effort to clearly outline their hopes and desires to the European parliament, the government is keeping the EU guessing. While there may be plenty of governmental wishful thinking, and attempts at cherry-picking, clearly defined goals have yet to surface. EU politicians have warned the British government that its refusal to negotiate a broader reopening on trade and economic integration will likely jeopardize any efforts to ‘reset’ EU/UK relations.
Gozi, who chairs the European parliament’s UK delegation has suggested that in order to “safeguard peace and prosperity across the continent, Britain should go further and rejoin the single market”. Gozi has also criticized Keir Starmer for ruling out the UK’s membership of an EU common market or customs union, saying, “the world has changed since those red lines were drawn”.
UK/EU summit under threat
With just weeks to go, the forthcoming ‘reset’ summit between the European Union and the UK looks to be under threat. The EU says it is “working to conclude the key files of last year’s Common Understanding” which include an SPS agreement and a Youth Experience Scheme.
EU trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, said the youth mobility scheme – which is one area where talks remain deadlocked – was one of the top three issues, and one that the EU cared very deeply about. The summit was expected to take place in mid-July but could now be delayed until later in the summer.
The @marchforrejoin.co.uk team have arrived in Brussels after walking from London to meet press & politicians & hand over a book of messages to the EU parliament from British citizens Our Chair @suewilson91.bsky.social also there after taking part in the last leg. Well done everyone 👏 #RejoinEU
— Bremain in Spain (@bremaininspain.com) 2026-06-05T09:32:56.216Z
Walking back to EU, step by step
When the ramble arrived in Brussels, I was reminded of many former visits to the EU capital, each time receiving a warm welcome. To be back at the European parliament was a bittersweet moment, revisiting the joy of working together with dedicated people from many different countries, and the sadness that we are now outside that special club.
We will never forget those that lied to get us here. We will never forget those that are hampering our efforts to return. But most important of all, we will never forget the rights, benefits and opportunities that were taken away from us for no other reason than to save a dying party from self-destruction.
Until the day when our government catches up with public opinion, we will keep fighting to get back what has been lost. Dithering won’t cut it. Placing barriers in our way won’t cut it. Having unrealistic demands won’t cut it.
We’ve watched and waited for Starmer’s ‘step-by-step’ approach, and we’ve barely moved an inch. Surely now it’s time to pick up the pace, stop rambling and get in the car and drive at top speed. Brussels has made it clear we would be welcomed back, so what on earth are we waiting for? We’ve got a country to save!
And for those wanting to get on board, join us in London for the NRM IV on 20 June, to deliver another message from the people, this time to our own government – if you want to stay in power, you’d better start listening and acting in the best interests of the country.
We want our EU citizenship back, and those of us of a certain age cannot afford to wait.
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