Lord Heseltine, former Deputy Prime Minister, has reignited the debate over Brexit, branding the campaign to leave the European Union as a “pack of lies” and urging the UK to return to the bloc.

Speaking ahead of the fifth anniversary of Britain’s official departure, he emphasized that rejoining the EU is “in the best interests of a generation of young British people.”

Reflecting on the historical significance of EU membership, Lord Heseltine hailed the single market as Margaret Thatcher’s “greatest achievement.”

“The creation of the single market was a culmination of the determination that war should be eliminated from the landmass of Europe. I was rather keen on these ideas. And I am appalled by Brexit.”
Lord Heseltine

The former Conservative minister criticized those who led the Brexit campaign, arguing that their claims misled the public. “I don’t believe for an instant that we should accept the verdict of a pack of lies that was paraded by various people to persuade us to sever our relationship with Europe,” he said.

Labour Eyes Trade Reset With EU

Lord Heseltine’s remarks come as Labour signals a willingness to explore closer ties with the EU. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently stated that the UK is “absolutely happy” to consider joining a tariff-free trading scheme with Europe, known as the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM).

The PEM facilitates tariff-free trade across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic suggested that Britain could join the framework, and Reeves expressed openness to the idea. She said, “We are absolutely happy to look at these different proposals because we know that the deal the previous government secured is not working well enough.”

Reeves criticized the Conservative government’s handling of Brexit, noting its impact on businesses.

“It’s not working well enough for small businesses trying to export, and it’s not working well enough for larger businesses either. We’re grown-ups who admit that, whereas the previous government said there were no problems at all.”
Rachel Reeves

However, Labour has ruled out rejoining the customs union, single market, or reinstating freedom of movement. Instead, the party is focused on resetting UK-EU relations within the boundaries of its manifesto commitments.

Lord Heseltine also weighed in on the possibility of a second referendum, dismissing critics who argue that the 2016 vote settled the matter. “This question of, ‘we voted in 2016, the deal is done,’ what is democracy about?” he asked. He also drew parallels with past political decisions.

“I have lived through generation after generation where Conservatives opposed Labour nationalization programs. We undid them. We said we would undo them, despite the fact they had a mandate. Why can’t you have another referendum, put it to the British people?”
Lord Heseltine

His call for renewed public debate highlights the growing divide between those seeking closer ties with Europe and those committed to maintaining the status quo.

As the UK marks five years since its formal departure from the EU, the political landscape remains deeply divided. While Labour’s openness to exploring new trade agreements signals a pragmatic shift, Lord Heseltine’s call to rejoin the EU reflects a broader desire among some political figures to revisit the Brexit decision.

With businesses and voters grappling with the economic consequences of Brexit, the question of the UK’s relationship with Europe is far from settled. Whether the nation will inch closer to Brussels or remain steadfastly independent remains a contentious issue.