I’m sure they would be allowed back in, why not? But I doubt they’d get all their special treatements back.

I’m not so sure. The UK was a big contributor to the EU, not just monetarily, but it also gave the EU more soft power.

It was only Germany that contributed more, and in fairness, Germany also benefits more from the EU as well, although much of that is purely that Germany already had a healthy industrial sector, a central Europe location, and better transport links to other EU nations.

The UK and EU both lost out due to Brexit. And to think it all happened because of a stupid political gamble by Cameron. Infuriating.

And besides, I think it’d set a good precedent for the EU - look, even a country as wealthy and well-connected as the UK left then decided it was a terrible idea. Clearly it must be good to be in the EU! That’s one hell of a boast.

That said, geopolitics is geopolitics. Various countries would be trying to carve out any little advantage they can get.

You absolutely would, but not on the same terms as before. Those special privileges Thatcher negotiated are gone forever.