‘Brexit is not done’: Civil servant who oversaw Britain’s exit from the EU calls for debate over rejoining the bloc

The civil servant who led Britain’s preparations for leaving the EU has called on political leaders to open a debate over rejoining the bloc, as he declared “Brexit is not done”.

Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out reversing Labour’s election manifesto pledge to honour Brexit, but Philip Rycroft, who was permanent secretary of the Department for Exiting the EU, told The Independent there was a case to be won on rejoining the EU, adding it was time for a sensible national debate on Britain’s best interests.