Trump's Return: Why Britain Must Reclaim Its European Future

Trump's win reshapes global alliances - Britain must reclaim its place in Europe of face decline

Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office must be a wake-up call for the United Kingdom, a moment of reckoning that demands hard choices and even harder truths. For better or worse, his presidency will reinforce the isolationist tendencies of contemporary U.S. politics, marking a further retreat from multilateral engagement. The ripples of that isolationism will not stop at the Potomac; they will sweep across the Atlantic, landing with force on Britain’s shores. Faced with this reality, the UK must rediscover its place in Europe, not merely as a trading partner, but as a full-blooded participant in the European project. Rejoining the Single Market would be the first and most essential step.

Brexit has already left deep scars on the UK economy, and the cost of those wounds has become harder to ignore. The Centre for European Reform estimates that by leaving the EU, the UK economy is now 5% smaller than it would have been had it remained within the union, representing a loss of approximately £31 billion. This is not a theoretical figure; it reflects lost jobs, diminished business opportunities, and everyday struggles for many British families. The Office for Budget Responsibility has made clear that this new trading arrangement has resulted in a long-term productivity decline of around 4%. These percentages, though stark, translate into real-world consequences: suppressed wages, fewer employment prospects, and a diminished quality of life for millions.

The young have been particularly hard hit. The generation of workers under thirty faces a grim economic reality, one they did not create but must now contend with. For many, entering the workforce means carrying the burden of significant debt, with the average UK graduate owing around £45,000 upon leaving university. This financial weight, compounded by rising living costs and stagnant wages, makes it difficult to save, invest, or even dream of homeownership. The housing market only exacerbates their struggles. The average house price in the UK has surpassed £286,000, while in London, first-time buyers face the daunting prospect of deposits that can reach or exceed £115,000. The result is a generation locked out of homeownership, trapped in a rental market that devours income and offers little security. A majority of under-thirties now spend over 30% of their income on rent, with little left over to save or plan for the future.

This crisis extends beyond economics. Trump’s presidency will exacerbate international tensions, leaving Europe to fend for itself as the U.S. pivots inward. Russia’s war on Ukraine, a conflict that has rattled Europe’s stability, underscores the urgency for cohesion among European allies. Britain cannot afford to be a bystander. Across Europe, pro-Putin factions are gaining ground, exploiting divisions and fostering instability. In Slovakia, Robert Fico’s Smer-SD party has risen to prominence with rhetoric critical of EU-NATO policy on Russia. Austria’s Freedom Party (FPÖ) is similarly enjoying increased support, often pushing Moscow-friendly positions. These and other movements represent a growing threat to European unity, and Trump’s renewed presidency will likely embolden them further.

The UK’s response must be to reassert itself within Europe, not as an isolated actor but as an integral part of the continent’s collective strength. Rejoining the Single Market would reduce trade frictions, restore lost economic connections, and signal a renewed commitment to partnership. This move alone could improve the prospects of young people, opening doors to better wages, more stable jobs, and a fairer economy. But economic alignment must be paired with social reform. Britain needs bold investment in affordable housing, meaningful action on student debt, and job creation initiatives that address the changing realities of the 21st-century economy.

Compounding these challenges is the climate crisis, which weighs heavily on the shoulders of younger generations. The UK has already experienced more frequent and severe weather events, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating floods. These disruptions carry high economic costs and disproportionately affect the young, who will bear the financial and social burdens of adaptation. A divided Europe is ill-equipped to confront these challenges, making it all the more vital for the UK to strengthen its ties with the continent. Working together, Europe can lead on climate action, developing green technologies and setting ambitious targets that protect vulnerable communities.

This is a defining moment for Britain. Isolation and division have left the country poorer, less secure, and with fewer options for its youth. Rejoining the Single Market is a critical step towards rebuilding economic stability and reasserting Britain’s place on the world stage. But this step must be part of a broader commitment to addressing inequality, fostering opportunity, and confronting the shared challenges of our time. Britain’s young people deserve a fairer, more hopeful future. If Labour does one thing decisively, it must be to reset the dial for the next generation of workers, parents, and citizens.

What can you do to help rebuild our European future?

1. I just joined the European Movement, been meaning to for years but finally did it. Sign up here.

2. Read the New European. I subscribed a could have months ago.