British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government could consider rejoining the European Union as part of a longer-term review of Britain’s relationship with the bloc.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday, Burnham said he wanted to examine “what is doable”, with potential options including maintaining the current arrangements, joining a customs union, pursuing a single-market relationship or going further and rejoining the EU.
Burnham previously supported Britain rejoining the EU within his lifetime, although he said this was “not necessarily” his position now.
Government to Examine UK-EU Options
Burnham’s comments mark a change from the position set out in Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which pledged to “make Brexit work” and ruled out rejoining the EU customs union or single market.
At the Labour Party conference on Tuesday, Burnham said the current relationship with the EU was “not good enough” and linked Brexit to difficulties surrounding immigration and the economy.
He plans to use a delayed EU summit later this year to set out different options for Britain’s future relationship with the bloc and seek consensus on a longer-term approach.
Burnham’s Position on Brexit Develops
During his campaign in the Makerfield by-election, Burnham pledged not to reopen the Brexit debate and said he was not proposing that Britain consider rejoining the EU.
Last week, however, he left open the possibility of seeking a mandate at the next general election to rejoin the bloc.
The government has not announced a policy to seek EU membership, with Burnham instead presenting rejoining as one of several possible longer-term arrangements to be considered.
Previous Government Pursued Limited EU Reset
Former prime minister Keir Starmer pursued closer cooperation with Brussels while stopping short of seeking membership of the single market or customs union.
Measures under that approach included closer alignment on food standards, a youth mobility agreement and reconnecting British industry with the EU’s carbon trading system.
The EU summit, which was delayed following Starmer’s departure, is expected to provide an opportunity for Burnham to outline his proposals for the future relationship.
Burnham has also said he intends to publish a 10-year plan for the British economy.
Conservatives Criticise Burnham’s Comments
Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart criticised Burnham’s position, arguing that Labour should not attribute current economic problems to the Brexit vote, which took place more than a decade ago.
The Conservatives also accused Labour of reopening political divisions over Britain’s departure from the EU.
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