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Tom Brufatto

@tom-brufatto.bsky.social
90 followers 144 following 71 posts

Policy & Research @bestforbritain.org and @uktradebusiness.bsky.social. Personal account.

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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
UK Trade & Business Commission @uktradebusiness.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
At today’s UKTBC evidence session on the ‘Made in Europe Agenda’, Edward Gibbs from Jaguar Land Rover was asked if there are areas where the UK should seek to diverge further from the EU. He gave a clear answer: “Absolutely not.”
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 12/10/2026
@marshadecordova.bsky.social: "The UK leaving the EU has been an unmitigated disaster." "Rejoining the EU would significantly boost the UK's GDP. Best for Britain found that full membership would unlock between 2.5 and 3.6 per cent growth in the UK’s GDP."
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 11/10/2026
The idea that rejoining the EU would take the UK a decade is a myth. Finland went from application to full membership in less time than it took us to negotiate and sign a trade deal with India. bestforbritain.org/uk-rejoin-eu-sin…
bestforbritain.org
UK could rejoin EU within a single Parliament, experts confirm - Best for Britain
The UK could rejoin the European Union (EU) within a single Parliament, and complete negotiations in less time than it t
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Sam Freedman @samfr.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
New post: Burnham has opened the door to a "rejoin" manifesto pledge. The politics make more sense than a lot of people seem to realise. I look at what it would involve at every step from pledge to referendum. There are significant barriers but it can be done. samf.substack.com/p/the-route-...
samf.substack.com
The route back into the EU
Back in 2022 I wrote about the long-term prospects for undoing Brexit and made two predictions.
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
UK Trade & Business Commission @uktradebusiness.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Join us for this timely session of the new UKTBC, which will examine key issues ahead of the UK-EU summit. Representatives from the SMMT, Honda Europe and Jaguar Land Rover will discuss the EU's "Made in Europe" agenda and how the Government should engage with Brussels.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Russia is waging war in Europe and the US is telling us to spend more on our own defence. To defend Europe, we will need to grow the UK economy & work with EU allies to build the European pillar of NATO. Another reason why we should be members of the EU. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Tories pledge £10bn British 'Iron Dome' air defence system
The Conservatives say their plan would protect the UK at a time when Nato allies have warned of Russian drone incursions.
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Rachel Blake MP @rachelblakemp.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Prime Minister made it clear that the conversation of our relationship with Europe is on the table. For me, that future lies within the European Union, standing side by side with our allies as we face the ongoing threats to our democracy.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
"Because if Labour is serious about delivering prosperity, security and hope to every part of our country, then rejoining the European Union should be firmly on the table." Excellent piece by @rachelblakemp.bsky.social 👇 www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rejoin...
huffingtonpost.co.uk
Rejoining The EU Must No Longer Be 'An Unsayable Idea', Declares Labour MP
Writing for HuffPost UK, Rachel Blake says overturning Brexit “should be part of the national conversation about Britain’s future”.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
EU membership is the only option that ticks all the boxes: ✅Delivers the most growth ✅Is what the public want ✅Puts Labour in touching distance of a majority ✅Puts us in control by giving us a seat at the table Read more in @EncompassEurope 👇 encompass-europe.com/comment/a-pi...
encompass-europe.com
A pivotal moment for UK-EU relations
When the sun rose on June 24, 2016, one thing was clear: the relationship between the UK and the EU had entered a new, arduous chapter. As Boris Johnson and Michael Gove blinked into the cameras,…
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West) 🌍🌈🌹 @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
If you live in Edinburgh South West, this website will generate an email to me explaining that you support a closer relationship with the EU. See - bestforbritain.org/take-action/...
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Brave, prime minister. @andyburnham.bsky.social has opened the door to a debate about the UK's future relationship with the EU. He may be setting off on a long and winding road to get back in... me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/andy...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Andy Burnham has opened the door to EU membership | Institute for Government
It is far from clear that there is a path to a consensus on Europe.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
As Swinney urges UKG to return to the EU, its a reminder that Labour can't form a govt without winning in Scotland. With the SNP wanting EU membership, halfway house options dont work in Scotland. Its why UKG needs to keep EU membership on the table. www.thenational.scot/news/2660433...
thenational.scot
'Scotland's best future lies within the EU', John Swinney says
John Swinney has urged the UK Government to work towards returning to the EU as swiftly as possible
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Another mega poll, asking the exact same questions we @bestforbritain.org did, gets the same answers. If this was exam results day we'd be getting a No.10/10. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Half of UK wants to rejoin EU and backing it could drive up Labour vote, megapoll finds
Exclusive: Findings will bolster those in No 10 who want to negotiate on re-entry but some senior figures remain wary
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Absolutely right. It confirms all of our findings from a series of reports published over the last year.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Both of these compromises, were coincidentally (obviously) recommendations made by the UK Trade and Business Commission earlier this year. SPS transition periods: www.tradeandbusiness.uk/publications... Youth mobility: www.tradeandbusiness.uk/ukeu-yes-sch... @andrewlewinmp.bsky.social
tradeandbusiness.uk
The UK-EU SPS Agreement — UK Trade and Business Commission
This report, from the cross-party, cross-industry UK Trade and Business Commission (UKTBC) delivers 5 substantive recommendations for the UK Government, and our EU partners on how we can make an SPS d...
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Amazing how fast things are moving now that we have a commitment to look at all options for closer UK-EU relations. Reminder that it follows news of compromise on tuition fees on the youth mobility negotiations too. inews.co.uk/news/politic...
inews.co.uk
Brexit deal inches closer as EU gives ground to UK on food and drink
The two sides are negotiating a deal for the UK to align with EU animal, plant and health laws
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Key point: 'a' Customs Union is such a non-option that it has been rightly left out of the video, even if it is on the staircase.
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Simon Usherwood @simonusherwood.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
UK TBC report last year did suggest keeping study route somewhat separate from youth mobility, but no previous indication that had been picked up by negotiators www.tradeandbusiness.uk/ukeu-yes-sch...
tradeandbusiness.uk
The UK-EU Youth Experience Scheme Report — UK Trade and Business Commission
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We would not need to join Schengen, or the Euro.
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Steve Akehurst @steveakehurst.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
NEW: How does Burnham’s conference speech land with voters when they see it it? In short, very well it seems. A thread on some new video testing of the PM’s speech among voters by @persuasionuk.bsky.social Top line findings and some caveats below! 🧵👇
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Another reason for keeping EU membership on the table at the next UK-EU Summit. To get anywhere near the 326 parliamentary seats necessary for Labour to form a government, Labour needs to win in Scotland. www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
scotsman.com
Not rejoining EU could lead to Scots Labour MP 'wipeout', poll finds
Labour could see its Scottish seats slashed from 37 to just three if they fail to go further on EU relations in their next manifesto
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Amazing that we already have news of progress on the UK-EU Summit. Proof of the new approach to EU relations announced at Labour Conference is the right one. Benefits of the food and drink, emissions trading and youth mobility to be felt sooner. www.ft.com/content/ef10...
ft.com
Burnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthrough
UK and Brussels to go ahead with key November meeting after agreeing to kick talks on industrial subsidies into next year
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 30/09/2026
Burnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthrough ft.trib.al/UvmTBdE
ft.trib.al
Burnham clears path to EU summit with post-Brexit breakthrough
UK and Brussels to go ahead with key November meeting after agreeing to kick talks on industrial subsidies into next year
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Seen a few people ask Burnham if his EU stance contradicts his “Makerfield test” - Makerfield would vote for Rejoin on current polling!
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
8/ That's why EU membership should be on the table, and moreover, it should be the closing paragraph of this new chapter in UK-EU relations.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
7/ EU membership is the only option that ticks every box: ✅ Delivers the most growth ✅ It's what voters want most ✅ Puts Labour within touching distance of a majority ✅ We keep control of the rules affecting our economy ✅ Easier to scale-up the defence of Europe
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
6/ The Single Market boosts growth far more, but means handing regulatory control of swathes of our economy, including financial services, to the EU. We'd be the only G7 economy doing so. Labour's seat haul improves, but again, not enough to win.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
5/ But the detail matters. A Customs Union wouldn't materially address our shared challenges. UK companies and trade bodies are ambivalent at best, or opposed. Politically, it'd help Labour's seat haul, but not nearly enough to win an election.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
4/ It's also great that the PM's pledge to have this conversation is tied to the next UK-EU Summit. Finalise the food and drink, youth mobility and emissions trading deals first, and the summit is a success for both sides.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
3/ This shows government understands that further bespoke deals outside the EU's existing structures are unlikely to work. It matters: the PM and the EU are now speaking the same language from the get-go.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
2/ The PM's interview with Nick Robinson this morning reveals a crucial, underappreciated step forward. For the first time, the PM has suggested the options for closer relations are the Customs Union, the Single Market or EU membership.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
1/ Andy Burnham's position on EU relations is spot on. It addresses all elements of the major challenges both we in the UK and allies in the EU share, and need to overcome: tackling the cost of living, driving economic growth, and ensuring the defence and security of Europe.
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West) 🌍🌈🌹 @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Only 4% of people in Edinburgh South West want to further cut ties with the EU: scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/09/22/o...
scottarthurmp.wordpress.com
Only 4% of people in Edinburgh South West want to further cut ties with the EU
Research highlighted by Best for Britain suggests that, of all 650 Westminster constituencies across the UK, Edinburgh South West is among the ten most supportive of the UK rejoining the European U…
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Reposted by Tom Brufatto
Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 23/09/2026
🚨 NEW BEST FOR BRITAIN RESEARCH 🚨 If Labour commit to rejoining the EU in the next manifesto they will be the party most likely to form a government. If Burnham wants to stop Farage, grow our economy and bring Britain to the top table, he must commit to EU membership.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 13/09/2026
🚨 Neil Kinnock endorses Best for Britain's latest research, which found that an EU membership manifesto pledge is vital for Labour's chances at the next election. "Lord Kinnock has urged Andy Burnham to put the case for Britain rejoining the European Union in Labour’s next election manifesto."
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 13/09/2026
NEW POLLING Tom Brufatto: With a new Prime Minister, determined to prioritise redistributive growth and to restore a sense of hope to the country, this research sets out the roadmap to the party’s recovery, and provides the political piece to complete the economic jigsaw smashed to bits by Brexit.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 15/09/2026
👏 Brilliant news that the TUC Congress has passed a motion stating that the red lines should be removed and "no options should be off the table". 💪 congress.tuc.org.uk/motion-74-europ…
congress.tuc.org.uk
Motion 74 Europe – TUC Congress Motions
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Naomi Smith @pimlicat.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A very good oped by @tom-brufatto.bsky.social in Pol Home looking ahead to the next Labour manifesto. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
A commitment to rejoin the EU would make Labour more electable
As Andy Burnham’s honeymoon summer draws to a close, Labour MPs are staring down the barrel of some truly perilous fiscal choices in the coming wee...
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
And my opinion piece for @politicshome.bsky.social on what this means for the PM ahead of conference and the Budget: politicshome.com/opinion/arti... And a big thank you to the whole team @bestforbritain.org, who's work makes this research possible. ENDS
politicshome.com
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Coverage in The i Paper on Lord Kinnock's call to put EU membership in the next manifesto: inews.co.uk/news/politic... 10/
inews.co.uk
Reverse Brexit in Labour's next manifesto, Kinnock tells Burnham
'Our future lies in rebuilding our proper place in our Continent,' says former Labour leader
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The conclusion is straightforward: a commitment to EU membership is not a risk to be managed, but the cornerstone of rebuilding Labour's 2024 coalition - and the most effective policy we tested for improving its electoral performance. Full report: bestforbritain.org/publication/... 9/
bestforbritain.org
How EU policy affects Labour's electability - Best for Britain
This report presents Best for Britain’s analysis of how different Labour Party policy positions on EU relations are likely to affect the electoral performance of the Labour Party.
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Among Labour's switchers to the left the best performing policies were EU membership (38%), exploring all options including membership (37%) and Freedom of Movement (36%). EU membership and 'Exploring all options' also worked with Labour, LibDem and Green supporters. 8/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We also tested EU policies in mocked-up Labour manifestos, in a pool of 27 policies spanning immigration, the economy and health. Every policy for closer EU relations matched or did better than the average policy (27.5%). 7/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Labour's EU policy had no noticeable effect on Conservatives and Reform UK supporters. They did not move for any option tested - not even a pledge to loosen ties with the EU further. 6/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The effect is larger still among Lib Dem (L) and Green (R) supporters overall: +21 and +18 points on an EU membership pledge. The +21 is the biggest shift recorded anywhere in the study - and a sign both parties' EU offers only hold while Labour stays behind its red lines. 5/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Labour's 2024 voters who now say they would stay at home respond positively to every option for closer relations with the EU, each worth around +14 points. But only full EU membership pulls them back from the Greens, reducing their propensity to vote Green by 7 points. 4/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The gains land exactly where Labour needs them. Among 2024 Labour voters who have since switched to the Lib Dems, Greens, SNP or Plaid Cymru (L), an EU membership pledge lifted propensity to vote Labour by 14 points. Labour-to-Green switchers (R): +16 points 3/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Every EU policy option beyond the Government's current red lines increases propensity to vote Labour. A pledge of full EU membership moves it furthest: +7 points across all GB adults. And none of those options cost Labour support to its right. 2/
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Tom Brufatto @tom-brufatto.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
New research from the team @bestforbritain.org : The more ambitious Labour's offer on EU relations, the more voters are open to backing the party. A thread🧵 1/
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Cambridge for Europe @cambsforeurope.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Watch a recording of opening statements from yesterday's Brexit referendum 10th anniversary panel discussion discussing the UK's path back to the EU. Molly Scott Cato @europeanmovement.co.uk James Coldwell @bestforbritain.org Jonathan Saunders @yem1.bsky.social youtu.be/pGNV-uAe7_A?...
youtu.be
Brexit referendum 10th anniversary panel - Finding a path back to Europe
YouTube video by Cambridge for Europe
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