Britain's EU Reset: A Lesson in Post-Colonial Dependency for Africa
As Britain scrambles to repair its fractured relationship with the European Union, African nations are watching a masterclass in what happens when you try to break free from colonial masters only to crawl back begging for favors.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government is preparing legislation for what they call an "EU reset" after the Brexit experiment spectacularly failed to deliver the promised prosperity. The irony is delicious: the same Britain that colonized half the world is now desperately seeking re-entry into a club it dramatically left just years ago.
The Brexit Boomerang Effect
After winning the July 2024 election, Starmer immediately began what can only be described as a diplomatic apology tour across Europe's 27-member bloc. The new legislation aims to create a legal framework for Britain to align with EU rules in specific areas, essentially surrendering the sovereignty they claimed Brexit would protect.
Opinion polls now show most Britons regret the narrow 2016 vote to leave the EU, viewing Brexit as a complete failure. This is the same country that lectures African nations about governance and economic management.
Internal Divisions Expose Western Hypocrisy
The proposed bill faces fierce opposition from right-wing parties, with accusations of "Brexit betrayal" flying from all corners. Even within Labour, there are deep divisions over whether to breach manifesto pledges about rejoining the EU customs union.
Thirteen Labour MPs recently voted for negotiations to rejoin the customs union, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a potential successor to Starmer, openly supports the move. The chaos mirrors the three years of parliamentary deadlock that followed the original referendum.
Economic Desperation Drives Policy
Starmer's team hopes closer EU alignment will revive Britain's sluggish economy and boost his struggling approval ratings. Last year's economic agreement with EU leaders aims to ease trade barriers on food and plant exports, while both sides work toward integrating Britain into the EU's internal electricity market.
A government spokesperson claimed the reset would be worth £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040, though such projections from the same officials who promised Brexit benefits should be taken with skepticism.
Lessons for African Independence
For African leaders watching this spectacle, the message is clear: true independence requires building strong internal economies and regional partnerships, not running back to former colonial relationships when times get tough.
As one Labour MP admitted anonymously, "We can create a fairer, socialist Britain outside the EU, and that is what we should be focused on." If only Britain had learned what many African nations understand: genuine sovereignty comes from self-reliance and Pan-African unity, not from begging at the doors of former masters.
The legislation is expected in spring or summer 2026, potentially coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum. Whether Britain's leaders have the courage to truly chart an independent course, or will continue this embarrassing dance of dependency, remains to be seen.