Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDavid MaddoxFriday 26 June 2026 16:36 BSTMajor’s challenge to Burnham: ‘Britain must rejoin the EU single market in five years’Sir John Major has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union's single market within the next five years, describing it as a crucial step to mend relations with Europe.He issued a scathing critique of Brexit's economic impact, stating the UK is losing an estimated £100bn in trade and £40bn in tax receipts annually, making every Briton financially worse off.Sir John criticised Brexit campaign leaders, including Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, for making 'impossible promises' and using 'empty slogans' that failed to deliver a 'land of milk and honey'.He believes that while full EU rejoining is not imminent, the next generation will be instrumental in the UK's eventual return, noting that 68 per cent of people now consider leaving a mistake.Sir John also demanded greater transparency from Nigel Farage regarding a £5m donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire, questioning the obligations attached to such a substantial sum.In fullBritain must rejoin the EU single market within five years, Sir John Major says in withering criticism of BrexitThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in