Move to rejoin EU among options for UK, says Burnham
Andy Burnham suggests rejoining the EU is among options to reshape the UK's long-term relationship, aiming to discuss closer ties at a summit later this year.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Andy Burnham flags rejoining the EU as an option for long-term ties.
- Aims to push for closer relations with the bloc at a summit later this year.
- Conservatives accuse him of trying to reopen old Brexit divisions.
Andy Burnham has suggested that rejoining the European Union is among the potential options that the government could examine to reshape the UK's long-term relationship with Europe. The remarks follow his pledge during a speech at the Labour conference on Tuesday to explore closer ties with the bloc during a delayed summit scheduled for later this year.
This political shift could establish a major dividing line at the next general election, with Conservative opponents accusing him of attempting to reopen old wounds and restart the battles from the Brexit years. Last week, Burnham left open the possibility of campaigning at the next general election for a formal mandate to rejoin the EU.
His predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, had previously sought a more limited reset in bilateral relations, which included aligning with EU food standards, securing a youth mobility visa deal, and relinking British industry to the EU carbon trading regime. However, Starmer's departure from office postponed a planned summer summit with the EU, an event where Burnham now intends to unveil a 10-year economic transformation plan for the UK economy.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
When asked directly whether he wanted the UK to rejoin the EU, Burnham replied that he wanted to examine all available options. He noted that he had previously advocated for such a step earlier in his life, while acknowledging that this might not necessarily be the exact scenario today.
"We could look at what George Osborne has said about a customs union, we could look at what the Liberal Democrats said at their conference about the single market, or we could go all the way."
Andy Burnham
Burnham added that there are clear options requiring careful consideration, weighing what is practically achievable alongside the respective pros and cons. During his conference speech on Tuesday, he also attributed the loss of control over immigration and the economy directly to Brexit, telling delegates that the existing relationship remains insufficient.
The debate over whether the UK should pursue re-entry into the EU or negotiate deeper integration highlights the persistent political polarization surrounding Brexit. While proponents argue that closer ties are vital for economic recovery, political leaders must carefully navigate voter sensitivities tied to the original 2016 referendum outcome.
In response to Burnham's address, Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart criticized the position, stating that Labour cannot pin the blame for their disastrous economic decisions on a vote held over a decade ago. He further claimed that the opposition is already dragging the country back into the European Union through the back door via their EU reset policy.
Source: BBC Politics
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